GRÁMMÁR TRÁNSLÁTION METHOD By: Jailene Rodríguez Álvarez It’s a way of studying a language that approaches the language first through detailed analysis of its grammar rules, followed by application of this knowledge to the task of translating sentences and texts into and out of the target language. Classes are taught in the native language.
Reading and writing are the main focus. Grammar is taught deductively. Vocabulary selection is based solely on the reading texts used and words are taught through a bilingual word list, dictionary study and memorization.
It was referred to as “Classical Method” previously. It was first used in the teaching of Latin and Greek (considered dead languages), involving little or no spoken communication or listening comprehension. Mostly used for reading and appreciating foreign language and literature under the form of reading passages for grammar rules, vocabulary and translation with the help of the teacher.
Sentence is a basic unit of teaching language practice; lessons are devoted to translating sentences into and out of the target language.
Logical thinking Ability to read texts in the languages concerned Intellectual capacities to attain a generally educational civilizing effect
Memorization—memorize new words, grammatical rules and verb conjugations. Deductive application rules—understand grammar rules and its exceptions to apply it.
The GTM surfaced around the 1500’s , when Latin was the most widely-studied foreign language due to its prominence in government, academia, and business. Throughout Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, the education system was formed primarily around a concept called faculty psychology. This theory dictated that the body and mind were separate and the mind consisted of three parts: the will, emotion, and intellect. By sharpening the intellect good enough, it could let to control the emotions and will and the way to do this was by learning classical literature from Greeks & Romans.
Fill in the blanks—teacher gives sentences with missing words for students to fill out with the new vocabulary or grammar type. 1.
Learning grammar rules
2.
Translating back and forth between the target language and the native language.
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Memorization of words
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Exercises and tests are used in a constrained way
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Explicit error correction
Reading comprehension questions—Questions are asked in the L1 but students have to answer in the target language. Translation—Literary passages translations from the target language to the L1. Cognates— learning spelling/sound patterns that correspond between L1 and target language.