Issues in Literacy

Two literacy approaches.The Communicative Approach. ….The Grammar Translation Method

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What is the Communicative Approach?

- Developed in the 1970’s

- Not rote learning

- Teacher acts as a facilitator

- Written, verbal, non-verbal

- Choices, creativity, and group based dialogue within given context

2

Using the Communicative Approach- As in Natural (direct) Method L1 is excluded - Form is not so much important - Meaningful means acquisition

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“Students work at discourse level. They work on

speaking, listening, reading, and writing from the

beginning. Consistent focus on negotiated

meaning.” - 6 approaches to language training, adapted from “Eight

approaches to language training” by Gina Doggett, Eric Digest.

- Focus on reading TL

- Equivalent vocabulary L1/L2

- Teacher authoritarian/ a portal of knowledge

- Translating L1 language with grammar forms

- Communication is with teacher 4

What is the Grammar Translation Method?

Using the Grammar Translation Method-L1 is used in direct translation-Form is all important-Literary prose seen as acquisition

5

“Literary language seen as superior to spoken

language…..Vocabulary, grammar emphasized;

reading, writing are primary skills; pronunciation and

other speaking/listening skills not emphasized.” - 6

approaches to language training, adapted from “Eight approaches to language training” by

Gina Doggett, Eric Digest

The Big Question?I favor the communicative method. Acquisition is more favorable. Many careers require cooperation, customer service, and fast dialogue. Grammar does come, but like mixing medication into someone’s food or an additional shot of espresso, it is tolerated.

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I have experienced adult students who have used the GT approach and a small percentage do very well, but for the majority who are not going to be a Jane Austen or Ernest Hemingway the grammar approach seems like over-kill and it stunts their listening speaking ability.

Which comes first? The Chicken or the Egg?

Furthermore - Pro-communication

“In addition to using figurative language, it is possible to say something but mean it’s opposite, as in irony or sarcasm.” - Reading, writing, and learning in ESL, S.F. Peregoy & O.F. Boyle, 2005 by Pearson Education Inc.

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A writer - often mousy and quiet because of the literary medium in which he/she operates.

A communication major - seems to adapt and be able do whatever it takes to get the meaning across!

Communication creates a better environment for learning especially given a modern media and high technological culture.

Literal translations do not take into consideration culture, body language, humor, context, etc…

Warning: About tests! Correct responses

needed for passing grade!

“The standardization associated with assessment is not easily

achieved with oral language; even when speech is audiotaped

to insure uniformity, the quality of replay may vary

considerably...The concern for standardization has also led to

focus on strictly controlled responses to text rather than on

actual production of writing.” - Hill & Parry (1992).

The test at the gate: Models of literacy in reading assessment. TESOL quarterly, 26(3), 433-

461.

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When using the communicative method, awareness should be given to the standard answers needed for passing tests, because the system may make it unavoidable.