Reconsider Grammar-Translation Method in Teaching Basic Mandarin Abroad
Luo Xuanmin (罗选民)
Tsinghua
University
So far as the international education is concerned,
the task for Chinese language teaching is to promote a mutual understanding among
different people and strengthen the economic and cultural ties between China
and other nations. In this situation, grammar- translation method can be
reconsidered and encouraged in our Chinese language teaching abroad. In this
method, text is the basis of the lesson, and vocabulary are listed and learned
with a great deal of attention as how they were made up and combined. Some
practice was done with translating sentences containing these structures and
words, first target language into mother tongue, then mother tongue into target
language. Then the text would be read aloud sentence by sentence and each one
would be translated. The students would normally be tested by having to perform
translations. Through constant practice the students can expect to form a kind
of cultural acquisition which is functional for adult learning.
Grammar-translation method is emphasised because Chinese is quite different
from European languages, the differences can be found in typology, syntax and
vocabulary.
A teaching method will not remain static, it keeps
developing with time. It is true with grammar- translation method. Today it
includes new concepts and materials of education, like cognitive elements,
video materials, and sufficient interactions. grammar-
translation method can guarantee a cognitive strategy in learning Chinese and
avoid false analogies. It can help learners have a better understanding of the
internal structure of Chinese.