2. INTRODUCTION
Random House Unabridged Dictionary
GTM means a traditional technique of
foreign-language teaching based on explicit
instruction in the grammatical analysis of the
target language and translation of sentences
from the native language into the target
language and vice versa.
3. INTODUCTION
GTM is a way of studying a language that
approaches the language first taught, detailed
analysis of its grammar rules, and followed by the
application of this knowledge through the task of
translating sentences and text into and out of the
target language (Richard and Rogers, 2002 as cited in
Barb, 2010),
.
5. HISTORY
GTM is the oldest method of teaching. The
grammar translation method is a foreign language
teaching method derived from the classical
(sometimes called traditional) method of teaching
Greek and Latin. This method has been used from
the classical times to translate classical languages,
Latin and Greek, it has been called Classical
method.
6. PRINCIPLES
1. The goal of foreign language study is to learn a
language in order to read its literature.
2. Vocabulary and grammar are emphasized.
3. Vocabulary selection is based solely on the reading
text used, and words are taught through bilingual word
lists, dictionary study, and memorization.
4. The sentence is the basic unit of teaching and
language practice.
7. PRINCIPLES
5. Accuracy is emphasized.
6. Grammar is taught deductively; that is, students
are given grammar rules and example and are told to
memorize them, and then asked to apply the rules to
other examples.
7. The student’s native language is the medium of
instruction.
8. CLASSROOM TECHNQUES
1. The roles of the teacher and the student.
2. Translation of literary passage as the main
classroom activity.
3. Reading comprehension activity.
4. Vocabulary activity.
5. Grammar activity.
9. OBJECTIVES OF GTM
1. To be able to read literature written in the
target language
2. To be able to translate from one language
to another
3. To develop reading and writing skill
10. LANGUAGE USAGE
L1 USAGE: Classes are conducted in the
native language. Classroom instructions are
given in L1.
L2 USAGE: The foreign language use is
limited. Classroom will use foreign language
for L2.
11. LANGUAGE SKILL GTM
READING: Read literature in the target language is the
aim of this method.
WRITING: Reading and Writing are studied at the same
time.
LISTENING: Little attention is given to listening. There
is no listening training.
SPEAKING: Also this is not an important aspect of
method.
12. ADVANTAGES GTM
1. The first language is maintained as the reference system
in the learning of the second language.
2. Comparison between two languages helps students to
have a better understanding of the sentence meaning.
3. Systematic study of grammatical rules plays an important
role in fostering students’ ability of reading and grammar.
4. The focus on understanding literary texts
13. ADVANTAGES GTM
5. Makes few demands on teachers although it often
creates frustration for students.
6. Translation is the easiest way of explaining
meanings or words and phrases from one language
into another.
7. Teacher and students are easy to communicate/It
does not need native language
14. 8. It is an easy method:
In this method the child proceeds from the known to unknown. He already
knows his mother tongue and now he learns the English equivalents.
9. It helps in building vocabulary:
Translation method helps in the rapid expansion of vocabulary of the students
as it avoids difficult definitions or lengthy explanations. The vocabulary is
economically and effectively acquired. Students get the exact meanings of words.
10. It saves teacher’s labor:
The teacher finds it very easy to prepare his lesson. He has not to think of the
ways and means to explain new words. It doesn’t require the teacher to make use of
audio-visual aids.
11. Comprehension is easily tested:
Students’ comprehension of English, especially at the early stages can be easily
tested by asking them to answer questions in the mother tongue.
15. 12 Grammar is easily taught:
Grammar of the foreign language is easily taught by
comparing it with the grammar of the mother tongue.
16. DISADVANTAGES of GTM
1. Overemphasis on translation can never emancipate the
learners from dependence on the first language.
2. The Grammar-Translation puts too much emphasis on
reading and writing and neglects listening and speaking.
3. In the Grammar-Translation Method, the texts are mostly
taken form literary works. The language learned often
doesn’t meet the practical needs of the learners.
17. DISADVANTAGE
4. Memorizing grammar rules and bilingual word lists
does not motivate students to actively communicate in
the target language.
5. No scope for effective communication and very
tedious for Learner.
6. Direct translation is widely regarded as an inefficient
way of becoming fluent in any language
18. 7. It is an unnatural method:
In the translation method, the teacher starts teaching English to the students by
teaching them reading first. But while learning his mother tongue the child learns first to
understand spoken English and then speaking. The natural order of learning a language
is listening, speaking, reading and writing. Translation method doesn’t follow this
method.
8. It neglects speech:
Translation method neglects speech no much attention is paid to oral work or drill
work in this method. Besides this is little ear-training as the teacher speaks the mother
tongue most of the time.
9. It neglects pattern practice:
There is no pattern practice in the translation method. The result is that students
aren’t able to speak English correctly.
10. It ignores habit formation:
Because of its neglect of speech and pattern practice. Translation method ignores
habit formation. ‘The child never acquires the habit to think in English. Instead first he
thinks in his mother tongue and translates his thoughts into English.
19. 11. Exact translation is not possible:
Language is the result of the history, tradition, culture and the life of the people
speaking them. That is why they can’t translate exactly from one language to another.
12. Idiomatic expressions are difficult to translate:
The idiomatic expressions are hard to translate aptly.one is likely to translate literally
and absurdly.
13. It teaches English by rules:
Translation method tries to teach English by rules rather than by use.
14. It makes the student a passive listener:
In the translation method the student isn’t an active participant in the teaching
learning process. He is passive listener.
15. It is uninteresting:
Translation method is dull and mechanical. It is bookish. No aids are used to make
lessons interesting. It reduces the learning of a living language to that of a dead language.
20. REFERENCES
Rahmawati and Ramadhani, Grammar Translation
Method, 5G CLASS OF ENGLISH EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT IAIN SURAKARTA
Muhammad Ameen Ghori (2021) Advantages and
Disadvantages of the Grammar-Translation
Method in teaching English Language as second
language?
