GRAMMAR TRANSLATION METHOD

- One of the most traditional methods in foreign language teaching since 19 th century
- Originally used to teach ‘dead’ languages such as Latin and Greek

 Proponents:
Seidenstucker, Plotz, Ollendorf, and Meidinger. 
 Assumptions:
o Language proper is its written form
o Languages are fundamentally universal
o All languages have fundamentally the same grammar
o Comparing the grammar of the mother-tongue will enable the learner to master the grammar of the foreign language
o The patterns of foreign language are learned by translation of material from and to the mother tongue

 Characteristics:
o Language study is approached through detailed analysis of rules
o Grammar knowledge is then used to translate texts into and out of the L2
o In this view, language learning = memorization of rules + manipulation of syntax
o It focuses on accuracy not on fluency
o The primary skills to be improved are reading and writing
 Method:
o Classes were conducted in the native language
o Begin with a massive bilingual vocabulary lists [found in the passage to be translated]
 Head= ulo; Nose= ilong; Hands = kamay
o Long elaborate explanation of the intricacies of grammar are given
o Grammar provides the rule for putting words together, and instruction focuses on form and inflection of words
o Reading of difficult classical texts
o Sentences would be interpreted and translated
o Eventually, entire texts would be translated from the target language into the native language and tests would often ask students
to replicate other texts in the target language.
o Other exercises in this method: Antonym/Synonym, Fill in the blanks, Deductive Application of Rule

Sample task:

Panggaanong Pang-abay [Adverbs of

Frequency ] ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE
S
Easiest way of It is an unnatural
explaining method.
meanings or words
English Tagalog 2. Hindi ako kailanman lumiban sa klase. and phrases from
one language into
Always lagi another.
3. I am sometimes late for my class. Teacher’s labor is Exact translation is
Usually Karaniwan saved not possible.
Mastery of written Speech is neglected
Frequently madalas English
4. Umiinom ako ng alak paminsan-minsan.

Often lagi

Sometimes minsan

Occasionally Paminsan-minsan

Rarely bihira RESOURCES:

 Mukalel, Joseph. 2003. Approaches
Never Hindi kailanman to English Language Teaching
 http://www.slideshare.net/vacoka/gra
mmar-translation-method-
presentation
Examples:
 http://eslcompswiki.wikispaces.com/
We often go to the riverbank every The+Grammar+Translation+Method
Saturday.  http://www.nthuleen.com/papers/720
 Kami ay laging pumupunta sa report.html
tabing-ilog tuwing Sabado.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gramma
I will always love you. r_translation
 Lagi kitang mamahalin.

Exercises:
Translate the following sentences.
1. I rarely get up late on weekends.