The theory of language underlying the Grammar-Translation Method was derived from Comparative Historical Linguistics.
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The result of comparison between different languages indicated that the classical languages such as Greek
and Latin were very much similar to the modern Indo-European languages. In the Grammar-Translation Method, Comparative Historical Linguistics believed that
all languages were from one language and were ruled by a common grammar. In foreign language teaching, the target language was primarily interpreted as a
system of rules to be observed in texts and sentences and to be related to the first language rules and meanings.
In the Grammar-Translation Method, the students’ first language was maintained as the reference system in the acquisition of the target language.
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The theory of learning underlying the Grammar-Translation Method was Faculty Psychology.
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The Faculty Psychologists believed that the mind of human beings had various faculties which could be trained separately. According
to the Faculty psychologists, understanding and memorization of grammatical rules which are complicated are very important to develop students mental. The
Grammar-Translation Method was an expression of classical humanism. The language was regarded as a body of esteemed knowledge to be learned with an
emphasis on intellectual rigor. There are three theories can be concluded in Grammar Translation method.
The written form is superior in Grammar Translation method, the system of rules to be observed in texts and sentences and to be related to the first language rules
and meanings is emphasized in this method and the last is understanding and memorization of grammatical rules which are complicated are very important.
7. The Principles of Grammar Translation Method
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Article “Grammar Translation method” assessed at 10 June 2007 ……
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Jack C. Richard Theodore S. Rodgers. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching….p.3
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Article “Grammar Translation method” assessed at 10 June 2007 ……
A basic purpose of learning a foreign language in the Grammar Translation method is to gain the ability of reading the literature written in it.
Literary language is superior to the spoken language. Student’s studies are limited with target language. Translating each language into each other is an
important goal for learners. If they can do that, they are successful learners. In this method the authority in the classroom is the teacher. Error
correction in teaching learning is if a student answers of a question incorrectly, the teacher selects a different student to give the correct answer or
replies the answer. To be able to communicate with target language’s speakers is not among
the goals. Grammar is taught deductively.
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Explicit grammar rules are given. Students should be aware of the grammatical rules in target language and
when it is necessary, verb conjugations and some other grammatical paradigms should be memorized. The primary skills to be improved are
reading and writing. Speaking and Listening are less important, pronunciation is not taught.
8. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Grammar Translation Method
There are some advantages of Grammar Translation method, they are: a.
The phraseology of the target language is quickly explained.
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Translation is the easiest way of explaining meanings or words and phrases from one
language into another. Other methods when explaining vocabulary items in the second language is found time consuming. A lot of time is wasted if the
meanings of lexical items are explained through definitions and illustrations in the second language. Further, learners acquire some short of accuracy in
understanding synonyms in the source language and the target language.
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Jack C. Richard Theodore S. Rodgers. Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching…p.4
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“The Grammar Translation Method”, the article is accessed on April 26th, 2007 at http:purwarno- linguistics.blogspot.com200601grammar-translation-method_13.html
b. Teacher’s labour is saved.
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Since the textbooks are taught through the mother tongue, the teacher may ask comprehension questions on the text that taught
in the mother tongue. Communication between the teacher and the learners does not problems. Even teachers who are not fluent in English can teach
English through this method. That is the reason why this method has been practiced so widely and has survived so long.
There are some disadvantages of Grammar Translation method, they are: a.
It is an unnatural method.
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The natural order of learning a language is listening, speaking, reading and writing. That is the way how the child learns
his mother tongue naturally. But in the Grammar Translatio Method the teaching of the second language starts with the teaching of reading. Thus, the
learning process is reversed. b.
Speech is neglected. The Grammar Translation Method lays emphasis on reading and writing. It neglects speech.
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Thus, the students who are taught English through this method fail to express themselves adequately in spoken
English. Even at the undergraduate stage they feel shy of communicating through English. It has been observed that in a class, which is taught English
through this method, learners listen to the mother tongue more than that to the secondforeign language. Thus, they have to pay a heavy price for being
taught through this method. c.
Exact translation is not possible. Translation is a difficult task and exact translation from one language to another is not always possible.
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A language is the result of various customs, traditions, and modes of behaviour of a
speech community and these traditions differ from community to community.
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“The Grammar Translation Method”, the article is accessed on April 26th, 2007…..
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“The Grammar Translation Method”, the article is accessed on April 26th, 2007…..
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“The Grammar Translation Method”, the article is accessed on April 26th, 2007…..
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“The Grammar Translation Method”, the article is accessed on April 26th, 2007…..
d. It does not give pattern practice. A person can learn a language only when he
internalizes its patterns to the extent that they form his habit.
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But the Grammar Translation Method does not provide any such practice to the
learner of a language. It rather attempts to teach language through rules and not by use. Researchers in linguistics have proved that to speak any language,
whether native or foreign entirely by rule is quite impossible. Language learning means acquiring certain skills, which can be learnt through practice
and not by just memorizing rules.
D. Framework Thinking
