> The grammar translation method was the offspring of German scholarship, the object of which, according to one of its less charitable critics was "to know everything about something rather than the thing itself"
Principal characteristics of the grammar translation method: 1. Approaches the language first detailed analysis of its grammar rules 2. Application of this knowledge to the task of translating sentences and text into and out of the target language 3. Reading and writing are the major focus 4. No systematic attention is paid to speaking or listening 5. Vocabulary selection is based solely on the reading text used 6. Dictionary study and memorization are basics. 7.Grammar is taught by presentation and study of grammar rules which are then practiced through translation exercises
Grammar Translation Method is still widely practiced, it has no advocates. It is a method for which there is no theory. There is no literature that offers a rationale or justification for it or that attempts to to relate it to issue in linguistics, psychology or educational theory.
