Grammar-Translation Method
The Grammar-Translation Method, under various names and techniques, has been employed by instructors and language learners for centuries. The basis of the method is to have learners translate exercises from the language being learned (L2) into the native language (L1). All instructions are given in the students' native language. Almost no emphasis is placed on the oral production or the aural recognition of the language. Instead, students focus on isolated vocabulary and grammar rules, and eventually should be proficient in both reading and writing the L2 (Brown & Lee, 2015).
Grammar-Translation and other similar translation methods have long been railed against by student and scholar alike. There are significant arguments that GT methods alone are limited by rigidity and that Grammar-Translation "hinders the achievements of such aims as development of initial fluency of spoken language" (Kelly & Bruen, 2015, p. 152). However, there is a growing movement supporting the use of Translation models as a complement for other language learning methods (Kelly & Bruen, 2015). Despite its limitations, some of the principles of the GT model can be utilized and incorporated with other strategies and techniques. Indeed, the benefit of the GT method is the emphasis on instruction in L1. It has been noted by Arshad, Abdolrahimpour, and Najafi that for beginner level students, the exclusive instruction in L1 can help improve the students' command of the L2 grammar (2015). Depending on the specific goals of the learners, the GT method can be an effective tool for both instructors and students.
Pros:
Cons
Grammar-Translation and other similar translation methods have long been railed against by student and scholar alike. There are significant arguments that GT methods alone are limited by rigidity and that Grammar-Translation "hinders the achievements of such aims as development of initial fluency of spoken language" (Kelly & Bruen, 2015, p. 152). However, there is a growing movement supporting the use of Translation models as a complement for other language learning methods (Kelly & Bruen, 2015). Despite its limitations, some of the principles of the GT model can be utilized and incorporated with other strategies and techniques. Indeed, the benefit of the GT method is the emphasis on instruction in L1. It has been noted by Arshad, Abdolrahimpour, and Najafi that for beginner level students, the exclusive instruction in L1 can help improve the students' command of the L2 grammar (2015). Depending on the specific goals of the learners, the GT method can be an effective tool for both instructors and students.
Pros:
- emphasis on vocabulary
- effective for intensely learning how to read and write a new language
- instruction is given in the students' first language
- instructors do not need specialized skills or fluency in the language.
- can be an effective way to begin learning a new language
Cons
- students do not gain comprehension of the spoken language
- speaking and pronunciation skills are not developed
- does not often allow for interaction between students; more isolated work
- students less likely to be engaged with the repetitious task of translation