Grammar-translation method

A traditional method of teaching foreign languages by translation of word lists, sentences and written passages, followed by repeated drill and oral and written practice. Based on traditional techniques of teaching “dead languages,” such as Latin and Greek, the grammar-translation method has given way to a variety of teaching methods that emphasize conversational fluency, developed by listening, speaking, reading and writing rather than by mechanical, wordfor- word translation. (See also FOREIGN-LANGUAGE STUDY.)