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The Gramniar-Translation Method (Classical Method)

The grammar-translation method is a method of foreign or second language teaching which makes use of translation and grammar study as the main teaching and learning activities: long, elaborate explanations of grammar - deductive tests are treated as cxercises in grammatical analysis focusing on the form and inflection of words

translating sentences from the target ianguage into the mother one (the only drill)

The GTM was the traditional way Latin and Greek were taught in Europę from 1840s to 1940s. In the 19^,h century it began to be used to teach “modem” languages such as French, Gemian and English. and it is still used in many countries today. A typical lesson would consist of the presentation of a grammatical rule, a study of lists of vocabulary (lists of isolatcd words). and a translation cxcrcisc. Bccausc the GTM emphasizes reading rather than the ability to communicate in a language. there was a reaction to it on the 19^,h century. and there was later a greater emphasis on the teaching of spoken language. It requires few spccializcd on the part of teachcrs:

tests of grammar taught are easy constituents and can be objectively scored - classes are taught in mother tongue no attention is givcn to pronunciation reading before speaking reading difficult classical texts began early