Uses of Japanese in the English Classroom: Introducing the Functional-Translation Method.

要旨

A discussion of the use of Japanese in the English language classroom in Japan proposes that whatever justification is given for the English-only classroom is based on two flawed arguments: (1) outright rejection of the traditional grammar-translation method; and (2) the false assumption that an English-only requirement is an essential element of current communicative methodologies. The translation element of the grammar-translation method has been blamed for the faflure of Japanese-speakers to learn English; however, it is claimed here that the emphasis on grammar, which focuses on the referential meaning of a phrase rather than its social meaning, is instead at fault. An alternative functional-translation method is preferred because such an approach places emphasis first on helping the student understand and convey the meaning of ideas that are the most useful to him; only then is the appropriate grammar sought out as the framework in which to express those ideas. Materials and classroom procedures for the grammar-translation and functional translation methods are compared and contrasted, and some sample bilingual (Japanese-English) classroom activities are described. (Contains 39 references.) (MSE) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** -Uses of Japanese in the English Classroom : Introducing the Functional-Translation Method

主題