Grammar Translation Method

Grammar Translation method is 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.It hence views language learning as consisting of little more than memorizing rules and facts in order to understand and manipulate the morphology and syntax of foreign language.
The principal characteristic of the grammar translation method were these :

• The goal of foreign language in order to benefit from the mental discipline and intellectual development that result from language study

• Reading and writing are the major focus ; little or no systematic attention is paid to speaking or listening

• Vocabulary selection is based solely on the reading text used and words are taught through bilingual word list, dictionary study and memorization

• The sentence is the basic unit of teaching and language practice.

• Accuracy is emphasized.

• Grammar is taught deductively, that is by presentation and study of grammar rules, which are then practiced through translation exercise.

• The students’s native language is the medium of instruction. It is used to explain new items and to enable comparison to be made between the foreign language ad the students native language.

Grammar translation method dominated European and foreign language teaching from the 1840s to the 1940s and in modified from it contiunes to be widely used in spome parts of the world today.In the mid and late ninteeth century opposition to the grammar translation method gradually developed in several European countries. This reform movement as it was reffered to laid the foundationfor the development of news ways teaching languages and raised controversies that have continued to the present day.