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.