2. BACKGROUND OF THE GRAMMAR
TRANSLATION METHOD
The GTM was widely used in the USA in
1890’s. It was also called the Classical
Method.
Meidenger (1783), who advocated
translation into the target language through
the application of rules of grammar.
3. THE PRINCIPLES OF THE GTM
Grammar rules
The primary skills
Hardly any attention
The ability to understand the texts
written in the foreign language.
4. Mastering the grammar of
the foreign language.
Vocabulary
The mother tongue
A paramount
5. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GTM
Classes are taught in the mother tongue.
Much vocabulary is taught in the form
of lists of isolated words.
Long elaborate explanations of the
intricacies of grammar are given.
Grammar provides the rules for putting
words together.
6. Reading of difficult classical texts is begun
early.
Little attention is paid to the content of texts.
Often the only drills are exercises in
translation disconnected sentences.
Little no attention is given to pronunciation.
The focus is on accuracy, and not fluency.
7. METHOD
Use of mother tongue.
Vocabulary items are taught in the form of
word lists.
Elaborate explanations of grammar.
Focus on the morphology and syntax.
Reading of difficult texts early in the course.
Practice focuses on exercises translating
sentences or texts.
8. THE TECHNIQUES IN THE GTM
Translation of a literary passage
Reading comprehension questions
Antonyms/synonyms
Cognates
Deductive application of rule
Fill-in-the-blanks
Memorization
Use words in sentences
Composition.
9. REFERENCES
Larsen, Diane-freeman. 2000. Techniques
and Principles in Language Teaching: China:
Oxford University.
Setiyadi, Bambang. 2006. Teaching English
as a Foreign Language: Yogyakarta: Graha
Ilmu.