The Grammar Translation Method is a method for teaching foreign languages that uses students' native language as a basis for understanding the target language. Students learn grammar rules deductively and translate between the native and target languages. Vocabulary and grammar are emphasized, as well as reading and writing skills. While it can help explain words and phrases and teach correct grammar, it is criticized for being unnatural and neglecting communication skills. The method was developed for teaching dead languages but is still sometimes used for its ease of conducting grammar exercises and tests.

3. Grammar Translation Method is
the method in which students
translate foreign language into
native language in order to
understand the text.

4. According to Mackey,
“GTM is the simple
combination of the
activities of grammar and
translation.”

5. Introduction
*Grammar Translation Method is the
method of teaching of foreign language
through learners’ mother tongue. They are
taught to translate from native language to
the target language. Learners learn
grammar deductively and memorize native
language equivalently for the target of
language vocabulary.

6. *Harmer (2007:63) said that
whatever the teachers teach and
the students learn about the target
language, they reflect the target
language to their mother tongue
* Vocabulary and grammar are
emphasized as well as emphases is
on reading and writing skills.

7. Historical background
The grammar translation method(GTM) is a
foreign language teaching method derived from
the classical method of learning Latin and
Greek.it is known in the united states a
“Prussian Method.” The method also
dominated foreign language teaching in Europe
and other western countries from 1840-1940.
This method was used to teach dead languages.

8. Objective.
The primary purpose of the GTM was:
“To explore the depth of great literature.”
(Karl Plotz 1931)
* Helping the students to understand their native
language

9. Principles
*Translation into mother tongue is the best way to understand the
linguistic patterns of English language
*The structure of a foreign language is best learnt when compared and
contrasted with learners’ mother tongue.
*Learning grammar rules help in understanding the written work of the
target(foreign) language.
*A fundamental purpose of learning a foreign language is to be able to
read its literature.
*The goal for students is to be able to translate each language into the
other. Learning is facilitated through giving attention to similarities
between the target and native language.
*Deducted application of an explicit grammar rule is a useful
pedagogical technique

10. Merits of GTM
*Words phrases of target language are quickly
explained.
*It stresses on acquiring correct grammar.
*It makes language learning easier.
*Cultural awareness through the other language.
*It increases vocabulary.
*Grammar provides rules for putting words
together.

11. Demerits of GTM
*It is unnatural method of learning language skills
because it ignores the normal order of learning i.e
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
*Communication skills are neglected.
*Exact translation in the target language is not
possible.
*Worst effect on student’s motivation.
*No accuracy is present
*Passive role of learners.

12. Why still in use?
*Brown(1994) is of the view that GTM requires a few
specialized skills on the part of the teacher. It works in
a better way with large classes especially in
developing and under developing countries.
*Grammar rules and translation tests are easy to
conduct.

13. Criticism
*This method often creates frustration
for students by a tedious experience of
memorizing endless list of unusable
grammar rules and vocabulary.
*This method pay little attention to the
students.

14. Conclusion
This method was devised to teach dead
language. It is important to keep in mind
that there is no wrong with any method
rather judicious use of any method maters
a lot. Grammar translation method can
proved beneficial if adopted with more
flexible and conductive methodology.

15. References
*Richards and Rodgers.(1986). Approaches and
methods in language teaching.
*Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language
Teaching
* David Nunan, Practical English language teaching