Module 1 Shwe Li Tun

Section B Naw NO Mi Mi
Word count – 997 words

Grammar Translation Method and Communicative Approach

Grammar translation method is the oldest method of foreign language teaching.

It has existed for more than 2000 years. It influenced European and foreign language teaching
from the 1840s to the 1940s. In different countries of the world, people modify it and still using
it until now. (Rahman, 2012) Grammar translation method is the capability to translate the
written language. It is the translation from the first language to the second language. This
method is teaching grammar, the verb tenses and the basic rules of sentence form. By
learning these, students are able to make translation. (Anon., n.d.) This method is based on
written words. The text is followed by a vocabulary list. It contains new lexical items used in the
text together with mother tongue translation. Students need to understand the grammatical
rules and need to be able to relate these to mother tongue equivalent. (Bowen, n.d.)

This method makes the concept more clear while it introduces words, phrases and vocabulary.
It promotes the skills of reading and writing effectively as well. Moreover, students also feel
comfortable in the classroom since they can use mother tongue to learn any foreign
languages. On the other hand, it restricts the skills of speaking and listening to a foreign
language and it also focuses on formal and grammar rules. Neither it increases proper learning
of the foreign language nor it makes faster to translate each and every word under Grammar
translation method.

However, we could still use it in the classroom activities. The teachers could let the students fill
the missing words when teacher gives the exercises of some sentences or passages where
some blanks will be there. The teachers could let them make their own sentences using the
words that teacher gives. The students have to answer the questions while the teacher gives
them unseen passages. When they answer the questions, they can use both languages as
well. (Dr.Roma, n.d.)We could let the students take 5 vocabulary words from their favorite song
and translate them into English. When teaching a specific grammar lesson, we could ask the
students to memorize the rules and provide examples of their sentences. We could let the
students record their friends' conversations in their native language and then translate them
into English. (Alvior, 2015)

Money people believe that the target of language teaching is communication. (Anon., n.d.) The
term “communication” is obtained from the word “communicate” which refers to express ideas,
feelings or information from one to another. The extension of the affix "ive " alters the meaning.
It represents “to make students communicate” or “to make students express ideas, feelings or
information each other in the classroom.” (Rambe, 2020) This approach focuses on not only
teaching grammar and vocabulary but also communicative functions. Learning language is
better than studying the grammatical rules by the students. (Anon., n.d.) “Self – direction for
the learners “is foregrounded in Communicative approach. Students must accept responsibility
for their own education. The students don’t depend on the teachers for activities that acquire
repetition, accuracy and the memorization of sentences and grammatical patterns any more.
The teacher could be a ‘facilitator, a guide and a helper’. The teacher speaks less and help the
students improve and guide them how to work independently. This approach demonstrates the
increase of fluency in the target language. This makes the students more confident when
communicating with others. (Anon., n.d.)

This approach helps the students develop listening skill and involve in the classroom. Students
could express their ideas, views and opinions appropriately and systematically more than
before. However, this approach is not suitable for unactive students in the classroom. In
addition, if the teacher doesn’t well prepare, it is difficult task for normal teachers. It is not
appropriate for the crowded classroom where there is one teacher for one class. (Anon., 2021)

To improve students’ communication skills, the teachers could do some activities in the
classroom. Students could be asked to complete the task, such as puzzles, games, map-
reading. They can also be assigned in roles and to improvise a scene. (Rambe, 2020, p. 63)
The teachers could let the students restore the story sequences and discussing and evaluating
facts which they have already been given. We can also use school task dialogues activities.
This activity is an excellent way for beginner students to practice the language and vocabulary
that they will need on a daily basis. Begin with discrete partner work to allow students to
practice in a safe setting. We need to make a list of two-line dialogues that indicate the role.
Students work in pairs to practice questions and answers while reading the dialogues. Later,
have them pick one, memorize it, and perform it in front of the class. Practice food vocabulary,
as well as instructions and complaints, is another excellent communicative activity. Each
student should be assigned a family member role. Describe how they should act and what
phrases they should use during the meal. The useful phrases for this activities are: for
examples, I don’t like salad, I don’t like vegetables, I hate green things, Pass me the sauce,
Can I have more chicken, etc... Another activity is” Youtubers” The students should make
longer videos and talk more. It is more suitable for intermediate students, but beginners can
record longer videos with a script. We could select a specific topic for practice. We could let
them to practice the present continuous tense in English, ask them to play a video game and
narrate it to their followers. (Anon., 2022)

To summarize, teachers should use positive and appropriate methods for students to learn.
Teachers must be skilled in their subject, theory, and teaching techniques in order to
effectively teach students. When we teach students, we must allow them to not only learn but
also apply what they have learned in real-world situations. Motivation is also an important
factor in the learning process. To provide an effective learning process, we must understand all
of these requirements whatever method we apply.
References
Alvior, M. .. G., 2015. How to Use the Grammar Translation Method. 10 January.

Anon., 2021. Communicative Approach Merits and Demrits. [Online]

Available at: https://youtu.be/v4ni2xlbmaU

Anon., 2022. [Online]

Available at: https://www.spanish.academy/blog/10-ways-to-apply-the-communicative-language-teaching-
method-in-your-spanish-classroom/

Anon., n.d. Communicative Approach.

Anon., n.d. Graduate Diplmoa in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Module 1. London: s.n.

Bowen, T., n.d. The Grammar - Translation Method. Teaching Approaches.

Dr.Roma, n.d. Meaning,Merits,Demerits and Techniques. Grammar Translation Method.

Rahman, M., 2012. Grammar Translation Method. s.l.:s.n.

Rahman, M., 2012. Grammar Translation Method. s.l.:s.n.

Rambe, S., 2020. COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING. 3 February.p. 56.