Random House Unabridged Dictionary

GTM means a traditional technique of foreign language

teaching based on explicit instruction in the grammatical
analysis of the target language and translation of sentences
from the native language in the target language and vice versa.
Richard and Rogers, 2002 (as cited in Barb, 2010)
GTM is a way of studying a language that approaches the
language first thought detailed analysis of its grammar rules,
followed by the application of this knowledge through the task
of translating sentences and text into and out of the target
language.
 Definition.
The Grammar Translation Method is a
method of foreign or second language
teaching which uses translation and grammar
study as the main teaching and learning
activities.
 The Grammar – Translation Method
Brief history of GTM
It was first used in the 15th century for teaching the
classical languages, Latin and Greek. It was also
named as Classical Method.
Earlier in the 20th century, this method was used for
helping students read and appreciate foreign
language literature.
 Principles
 The goal of foreign language study is to learn a language in
order to read its literature.
 Vocabulary and grammar is emphasized.
 Vocabulary selection is based solely on the reading text
used, and words are taught through bilingual words lists,
dictionary study, and memorization.
 The sentence is basic unit of teaching and language practice.
 Accuracy is emphasized.
 Grammar is taught deductively; that is, students are given
grammar rules and examples to memorize, and further to
apply the rules to other examples.
 The students native language is the medium of instruction.
 Objectives
 To be able to read literature written in the target
language
 To be able to translate from one language t another
 To develop reading and writing skills
Tasks
 Translation
 Reading Comprehension Questions
 Antonyms / Synonyms
 Grammar Rules
 Fill-in-the-blanks
 Memorization
 Drawbacks
 Overemphasis on translation can never emancipate the
learners from dependence on the first language.
 The Grammar – Translation puts too much emphasis on
reading and writing and neglects listening and speaking.
 In the Grammar Translation- Method, the texts are mostly
taken from literary works. The language learned often doesn’t
meet the practical needs of the learners.
 Memorizing grammar rules and bilingual word list doesn’t
motivate students to actively communicate in the target
language.
 No scope for effective communication and very tedious for
Learner.
 Direct translation is widely regarded as an inefficient way of
becoming fluent in any language.
 Advantages
 This method is useful in a class where there is a large
number of students.
 Translation method helps to enlarge students vocabulary
rapidly as it avoids difficult and lengthy explanations.
 It helps the teacher to give the meaning of a word or a
sentence easily by translating it into the mother tongue.
 It saves teacher’s time.
 It is beneficial to use it in a mixed ability class.
 Students’ comprehension is very easily assessed through
grammar translation method
 Grammar of the foreign language is easily taught by
comparing it with the grammar of the mother tongue.