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The
grammar translation method is a language teaching method to learn a foreign
language. GTM is derived from the classical/traditional method of teaching
Greek and Latin. This method aims at studying and analyzing the grammatical
rules of the target language. In this method, a practice of grammatical
structures was carried out through the means of translating both into and from
the mother tongue. The GTM is totally based on the written words and texts. In
GTM, there is a typical procedure that presents the rules of a particular
grammar item and then to illustrate its use by practicing (including the
particular grammar item in a text). And a final practice is carried out by
using the item through writing sentences of target language and translating
target language into the mother tongue.
Elements
of GTM
In
GTM, textbook, vocabulary lists, grammar rules, and classical literature are
the essential element of teaching and learning. The main tool of teaching is
grammar and practice is the applicability of learned set rules of grammar.
(1) Textbook
The main element of classroom materials for the grammar translation
method is the textbook. Textbooks generally attempted to codify the grammar of
the target language into discrete rules for students to learn and
memorize.
(2) Grammar
Grammar is the main tool of this language learning method.
Grammatical analysis of sentence structure include morphology and syntax are
taught to students and asked to practice over and over.
(3) Vocabulary
Memorizing a vocabulary list of target language is also a basic
element of the grammar translation method. Students are asked to memorize some
words on daily basis.
(4) Practice
The last element of GTM is practice of learned grammatical rules
that includes translation of one sentence to other language. This practice
makes learner a good writer and translator.
Scope of GTM
The GTM has a very limited scope because of lack of speaking or any
kind of spontaneous creative output. Students would often fail at speaking or
even letter writing in the target language. GTM is still very popular in third
world countries like India, Pakistan, and in some African countries. It is a
method for which there is no theory. The learners of GTM have a good
opportunity to read Greek/classical literature and have some knowledge of
history of the country.
Goals of GTM
The GTM has two main goals. First is to enable students to read and
translate literature written in the source language, and second is to develop
students’ general intellectual discipline.
Objectives of GTM
There are some main objectives which are following
·
GTM
develops reading ability to a level where a student can read literature written
in the target language.
·
This
method improves students’ general intellectual capacity.
·
Forming
good academic knowledge of the target language is a key objective of GTM.
·
GTM
focuses on learning grammar rules for better accuracy.
·
GTM
develops students’ memory.