二·语法翻译法.doc

1 How did the Grammar-Translation method develop into its present form? Before the 16th century, Latin was the language of communication in the Western World. Then in the 16th century, Modern language such as French, Italian and English gained in important as a result of political changes in Europe. With the development of modern language, Latin gradually became displaced as a living language. The main purpose of learning Latin was to study the classical culture. Grammar analysis and translation proved to be effective means in study foreign culture through literary work. The mind of human beings could be trained by logical analysis of the language, extensive memorization of the complicated rules, and translation between languages. Grammar analysis and translation become the basic procedures in foreign language teaching in the 18th century. Thus the Grammar-Translation Method became the principle method of teaching modern language in schools. 2 what is the focus of a Grammar-Translation classroom? The focus of a Grammar-Translation classroom is the teaching of the foreign language grammar. Grammar is the core of language, and the teaching materials are arranged according to the grammatical system. The processing of learning grammar is considered an important means of training mental abilities. 3 What language skills are emphasized? Reading and writing are emphasized in a Grammar-Translation classroom because library language is regarded as superior to spoken language. The focus on understanding literary texts provides the situation in which reading and waiting abilities are well trained. 4 What is the main technique used in a Grammar-Translation classroom? Translation is the main technique used in a Grammar-Translation classroom. General speaking, literary translation should be followed by free translation, and sentence translation followed by passage translation. A Grammar-Translation teacher also uses the following techniques: reading passages from literary works; teaching grammar using a deductive approach; analyzing and comparing difficult sentences with students first language; memorizing word lists with the first language translation; and memorizing grammar rules and paradigms; using question to check students comprehension of the reading passage; using fill-in-the-blank exercises, making up sentences and writing composition. 5 What is the most important aspect of language according to the Grammar-Translation Method? According to the Grammar-Translation Method, grammar is the most important aspect of language, which is viewed as a system of rules. Systematic study of grammatical rules plays an important role in fostering students ability of reading comprehension and producing grammatically correct sentence. Understanding and mastering the morphology and syntax will develop students ability of analyzing and solving problems.6 Are the techniques of Grammar-Translation acceptable to you? Why or why not? I dont think the techniques of Grammar-Translation are acceptable to us. We can find some disadvantages in the Grammar-Translation Method. First, overemphasis on translation can never emancipate the learners from dependence on the first language. Second, it puts too much emphasis on reading and writing and neglects listening and speaking. Third, knowing a large number of grammatical rules can not ensure that students can use them appropriately in real communicative situation. The texts are mostly taken from literary works. The language learned often doesnt meet the practical needs of the learners. Last, memorizing grammar rules and bilingual word lists does not motivate students to actively communicate in the target language. 7 Which of the principles of the Grammar-Translation Method do you think are still applicable in modern language teaching? We can discover some valuable principles of the Grammar-Translation Method are still applicable in modern language teaching and learning, such as knowledge of grammar facilitates learning. The term “grammar” is so familiar to linguists, language teachers and learners that it is sometimes difficult to stand back and look at it clearly. Some linguists have argued that grammar teaching is unnecessary, and emphasis should not be put on the teaching of grammar. On the other hand, other linguists have argued that grammar is an immensely pervasive phenomenon. Lt is an integral part of language, so that the more we can find out about how grammar is learned and used, the better placed we will be to teach it effectively. We learners consider that grammar is not only necessary, but also very important in language teaching and learning. The understanding of grammar helps us build up confidence in using the target language and encourages us to use the language accurately and appropriately. We think that grammar teaching and learning can be useful in learning the target language. But we also think that grammar teaching and learning should focus on developing the learners communicative ability m