Grammar Translation Method or we can short it into GTM is the method that
used both mother tongue (L1) and target language (L2) in the study. Grammar
Translation Method is the one of most traditional methods. Long ago, Grammar
Translation Method is known as Classical Method in teaching Greek and Latin.
The method requires that students translate whole texts word for word and
memorize numerous grammatical rules and exceptions as well as enormous
vocabulary lists. The goal of this method is to enable students to read and
translate literary master pieces and classics.
The Grammar Translation Method of foreign language teaching
is one of the most traditional methods, dating back to the late nineteenth and
early twentieth century. At that time, it was believed that the body and mind
were separated and the mind consisted of three parts: the will, emotions, and
intellect. They supposed that if the intellect is sharpened enough, it can
control the will and emotions. It was believed that learning classical
literature of the Greeks and Romans, as well as mathematics, is necessary for
the development of mental discipline. In other words, the aim of teaching Latin
and Greek was not the learners’ ability to speak them. The aims were rather to
develop logical thinking and intellectual capacities, to have a generally
educational and civilizing effect and also to improve the standard of learners’
mother tongue.
Larsen-Freeman provides typical techniques associated with
the Grammar Translation Method:
o Translation of a literary passage (from target language (L1) to mother
tongue (L2))
o Reading comprehension questions (finding information in a text)
o Antonyms, synonyms (finding antonyms and synonyms for words or sets of
words)
o Fill in the blanks (filling in the blanks in sentences with new words or
items of a particular grammar)
o Memorization (memorizing vocabulary lists or grammatical rules)
o Use words in sentences (students create sentences to illustrate that they
know the Meaning and use of new words) (Larsen-Freeman 1986, 130)
The Grammar Translation Method has been practiced so widely
and has survived so long for its main advantages.
First, as many schools still have classes with large number of students, GTM with
its focus on teacher centeredness is cost-effective and appropriate. Next, its
main technique, translation into learner's L1, along with some sort of accuracy
in understanding synonyms helps meaning to be clarified and the possibility of
any misinterpretation or misunderstanding removed. Further, this method saves a
lot of time because via translation from one language into another the
meanings, words and phrases of the target language would quickly be explained.
So, even teachers who are not fluent in L2 can teach through this method.
Finally, teachers are less challenged because the students understand, and will
not have any problems in responding the comprehension questions asked in the
first language. This helps teachers to understand whether the students have
learned what they were taught or not.
There have been various disadvantages
of the use of the grammar translation method for the teaching of modern
languages. Marks provide a few objections:
o Speaking and understanding are more important for learners of modern
languages than reading and writing. However, the grammar translation method
prefers written language to spoken language.
o This method uses a graded grammatical syllabus and learners must gradually
accumulate and accurate command of each item in the syllabus. This may be a big
disadvantage for learners who want to start using the language straight away.
o Learning through exposure, experience and use is preferred nowadays. But
grammar translation method uses conscious memorization of grammar rules or
vocabulary instead.
o In grammar translation method the teacher and the learners speak mainly in
their mother tongue. But the last experience shows that the target language
should be used as much as possible.
o In the grammar translation method the teacher plays a very prominent role
and learners interact with the teacher, not with each other. Nowadays it is
recommended that learners should make their own discoveries independently. They
should be able to co-operate as well.
o At present it is believed that translation, a basic technique in the Grammar
Translation Method, is not the best way how to learn a new language. It is
better to think in that language instead.
o The Grammar Translation Method insists on accuracy. However, nowadays it is
believed that fluency is more important. (Marks, 2008)
So, the conclusion of Grammar Translation Method (GTM) is
the method that used both Mother tongue (L1) and Target language (L2) in the
study. This method is the simplest and the quickest method for teachers who are
not fluent in L2 but, for the students this method can make them passive in the
class.
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