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An Introduction to the Bilingual Method of Teaching Foreign Languages
Author(s) -
Alexander Loren R.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.1978.tb00043.x
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , first language , imitation , foreign language , comprehension , linguistics , conversation , psychology , teaching method , computer science , word (group theory) , mathematics education , communication , social psychology , philosophy , psychotherapist
The bilingual method presents an attractive alternative to other methods. The direct method consumes much time in establishing meaning; the bilingual method establishes meaning immediately through the mother tongue and, in the initial stages, the printed word. It employs the mother tongue to cue foreign language responses, and it uses the printed word as an aid in accurate initial reproduction of the foreign language. Orthographical interference is avoided by never asking the student to read aloud. Experience in classrooms shows that students' motivation increases due to full comprehension, high retention, and flexible procedure. Teachers must be fluent in both foreign language and mother tongue, and must develop facility in the steps of the method in order to provide rapid cuing. The eight steps lead from imitation to free conversation.