Bilingual method

 

Bilingual method

Introduced by Dr C J Dodson; Tried out in CIEFL, India (Hyderabad) by S.L.N. Shastri.

It aims at fluency and accuracy in spoken and written language and to prepare the pupil to achieve true bilingualism.

Dr C J Dodson says, “if a major language of the world is taught as a second language by direct method the vernaculars would disappear within a few generations”

It is a method which makes use of two languages. (target language and mother tongue)

Direct method is a reaction against GT Method, but bilingual method is a compromise between GT Method and Direct method

Selection, gradation, presentation and repetition are four cardinal principles of this methodology.

Characteristics of bilingual method

Ø It advocates a literal use of mother tongue.

Ø It tries to synthesize the basic principles of G.T.Method under Direct method.

Ø Using of L1 is allowed only by teacher, not by students.

Ø In Direct method, situations are to be created; in G.T.Method no situation is needed.

Ø It believes that in teaching learning process, only mother tongue or equivalents are given to the pupils without recreating or duplicating situations.

Ø Pattern drill and practice are advocated.

Ø It uses the language habits already acquired. (not in Direct method). It is based on the principles of transfer of learning (using language habits already learned)

Bilingual Vs Translation method:

Ø Bilingual method is nothing but the same old G.T method wherein the use of mother tongue is minimized. It is the same “old wine in a new bottle.”

Ø In GT method, the mother tongue is used both by the teacher and the pupils, but in bilingual method, the mother tongue is used only by the teacher and not by pupils

Ø The translation of the word or sentence is supplemented and supported by an explanation in English in bilingual method. This is not done in translation method.

Ø A thorough structure drill and practice are provided in the bilingual method which is absent in GT method

Bilingual method Vs bilingualism

Ø First one is a method, the second one is an ability.

Ø bilingual method uses 2 languages: target and mother tongue

Ø Bilingualism is the ability to use two different languages.

Merits

Ø Quick and easy comprehension on the part of pupils, since it uses mother tongue in explaining the meanings of vocabulary and structures.

Ø An average teacher can easily teach successfully through this method.

Ø It promotes fluency and accuracy.

Ø Doesn’t require costly material (as in direct method).

Ø No burden to teacher (time saving)

Demerits

Ø If teacher is unimaginative, and if he makes use of excessive use of mother tongue, this method degenerates into translation method.

Ø English teacher must have mastery over the mother tongue of the students.

Ø It is a blend of the advantages of both the translation method and direct method leaving aside their respective disadvantages,  “like a swan swallowing milk leaving behind water.”