Grammar Translation Method (GTM)

A. Background

Grammar Translation Method (1840s to 1940s) is clearly rooted in the formal Latin and Greek. This method is based on the idea that the quickest way to learn a foreign language through the understanding of grammar and the use of the native language in explaining it. It was previously called the classical method. It was in fact first known in the United States as the Prussian Method (Sears in Richards and Rogers, 1986: 3-5)

B. Aims

Rivers (1986) states the following aims of GTM:

1. Inculcating an understanding of grammar or the language.
2. Training the students to write the language accurately.
3. Providing the students with a wide literary vocabulary.
4. Training the students to extract the meaning by translation.

C. Principles

1. GTM is a way of studying a language. The L1 is maintained as the reference system in the acquisition of the L2.
2. Reading and writing are the major focus.
3. Vocabulary based on reading is taught through a bilingual language word list, dictionary study and memorization.
4. Much of the lesson is devoted to translating sentences into and out of the L2.
5. Grammar is taught deductively.
6. The L1 is the medium of instruction.

D. Usual Classrom Techniques

1. A lesson usually starts with a grammar point.
2. A piece of reading follows the purpose of illustrating the grammar point.
3. Next, exercises on the grammar are given.
4. Translation exercises come after that.