A very old,classical method of teaching english language.

1. Methods and Techniques
Grammar Translation Method
Prepared By:
Vashkar Bhattacharjee
Abdul Halim Biplob

2. Introduction
 The grammar–translation method is a method of
teaching foreign languages derived from the classical
(sometimes called traditional) method of teaching dead
languages like Greek and Latin. In grammar–translation
classes, students learn grammatical rules and then apply
those rules by translating sentences between the target
language (L2) and the native language(L1).
 The focus of this method was on the translation of texts,
grammar, and rote learning of vocabulary(memorization).
There was no emphasis on speaking and listening
comprehension because Latin and Greek were taught
more as academic subjects rather than a means of oral
communication.

3. Principles:
 Focus on learning the rules of grammar and their
application in translating passages from one lang to other.
 Vocabulary in target lang is learned through direct
translation from L1 in the form of isolated word lists.
Ex: একটি আম – A Mango
আমার বাড়ি- My house
 Very little teaching is done in the target language. Instead
readings in the target lang are translated directly and then
discussed in L1. Very little or no attention is given to the
pronunciation .
 Most of the interaction in the classroom is from the
teacher to students. There is little students initiation and
student-student interaction.

4. Grammar is taught with extensive explanation in the L1
and later applied in production of sentences through
translation from one lang to another.
Ex: Do you have my books? – আমার বইটি ড়ক ত ামার
কাছে?
I don’t know where your book is!- আড়ম জাড়িিা
ত ামার বইটি তকাথায় !
Classes are taught in the L1 ,with little active use of L2.
The primary skills to be improved are reading and
writing.
Its focus is on ACCURACY, not on FLUENCY.
Literary language is superior to spoken language.

5. Exercises of a class using this method:
1. Translation of a literary passage
Students translate a reading passage from the target lang
into their mother language.
2.Reading comprehension questions
Students answer questions in the target language based on
their understanding of the reading passage.
3.Memorization
Students are asked to memorize new words, grammatical rules
and verb conjugation.
4.Fill in the blank
Students are given a series of sentences with words missing.

6. 5.Deductive application of rules
Grammar rules are presented with examples. Once students
understand a rule, they are asked to apply it to some different
example.
6.Evaluation Process
Written tests in which students are asked to translate from
their native lang to target lang or vice versa. If students make
errors or do not know the answer, the teacher supplies them
with the correct answer.

7. Role of Teacher & Student:
Teacher
 The teacher is the authority is the class.
 Source of the knowledge.
 Explains, translates, conduct practices and correct
mistakes.
Student
 is the passive learner and does as the teacher says.
 Interact with the teacher, not with other students.
 Translate, study words, rules and memorize .

8. Limitations/Drawbacks:
o It seems there is no need for students to master
the four skills of language (reading, writing,
listening and speaking).
o It gives learners the wrong idea of what
language is. Language is seen as a collection of
words which are isolated and independent.
o It effects learners’ motivation which can lead to
frustration, boredom and indiscipline.
o This method is easiest for a teacher to employ
as it doesn’t require a teacher to speak good
English or make good lesson preparations.