SEMINAR

BILINGUAL METHOD

IntroductionThe direct method does not allow the use of mother tongue. But it was felt that sometimes the use of mother tongue becomes necessary. Therefore it was recommended that a modified method be used in which mother tongue may be used when necessary. This was Bilingual Method. The Bilingual Method means a method in which two languages ie., language to be learnt and the mother tongue are used. A child learns the mother tongue or grasps the situation and learns the foreign language words simultaneously. In this method, mother tongue is used to learn the target language.

In translation method also two languages ie, the language to be learnt and the mother tongue are used. So some people say that bilingual method is the same as the translation method. But it differs from the translation method in the following aspects :

•The teacher does not use mother tongue continuously but uses it only for explaining the meaning of difficult words.•Students are given a lot of practice in the drill of sentence pattern. Such pattern is not provided in the translation method.This method was evolved by C.J. Dodson of Wales and it is of recent development. In Bilingual method, the use of mother tongue is restricted to clarify the meaning of English sentences and words. In translation method, the mother tongue is used as the base. In bilingual method, the mother tongue is used only when necessary. Bilingual method is an improvement over other methods. Bilingual methods of teaching English is an improvement upon Translation method and Direct method. The teacher saves the time as well as makes the teaching learning of English easier by using mother tongue.

Characteristic principles of Bilingual method

•Permits the use of first language•Teacher is not required to make situations.•Sentence is the unit of teaching•Intensive practice in sentence patterns•Restricted use of mother tongue•Emphasis on pronunciation•Consideration for all skills

The following are the general phases of a bilingual class.

Basic sentences in the second language are spoken by the teacher and interpreted for imitation by the students.

The students repeat or imitate them.The students are encouraged to speak without a

stimulus from the teacherThe student is not allowed to respond in his mother

tongue.The stimulus and response, both can be held in the

second language.A normal second language situation is created.In the last phase the students should be given

exercises exclusively in the use of words and sentences learnt already in the second language.

The teacher can save time as the mother tongue is used.

An average teacher can use this method in class.

This method is less costly as the use of teaching aids is minimum.

Mother tongue acquisition rules are helpful in this method.

Advantages of the Bilingual Method

Disadvantages/Demerits of the Bilingual methodIt cannot be applied in multi linguistic groupIt requires teachers well versed in both languagesFrequent comparison and contrast with mother

tongue may cause confusion.It may degenerate into translation method.This method diverges the attention of the

students.Spoils the continuity and fluency of the language.Can lead to defective pronunciationDanger of the bad habit of learning everything by

filtering through mother-tongueIt reduces student’s exposure to the target

languageIt ignores the fundamental aims of English

language teaching

Conclusion

C.J. Dodson, the developer of this method aimed at fluency and accuracy in spoken words and in written words as well. He believed that if the method was administered properly in the class the children will become true bilinguals.

Reference

Techniques of Teaching English by Dr. Shaik Mowla

Techniques of Teaching English – A.L. Kohli

English Language Educaiton – Dr. K. Sivarajan.