What is the Direct Method's stance on the use of the learner's mother tongue in the classroom?

AA. It is used extensively for grammar explanations.

BB. It is permitted only for emergency situations.

CC. It is completely prohibited.

DD. It is used as a bridge to the target language.

Answer:

The Direct Method, also known as the Natural Method, emerged as a prominent language teaching approach in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It was primarily a reaction against the traditional Grammar-Translation Method, which focused heavily on rules, translation, and rote memorization, often neglecting spoken language.
Its fundamental principle is to establish a direct and immediate association between words and phrases in the target language (L2) and their meanings, without the mediation of the learner's native language (L1).

A cornerstone of the Direct Method is the absolute and complete prohibition of the learner's mother tongue (L1) in the classroom. This applies to both the teacher and the students.
The rationale behind this strict rule is to immerse learners fully in the target language, thereby fostering direct thinking in L2 and discouraging reliance on translation.
The goal is to replicate, as much as possible, the natural process of first language acquisition, where a child learns without translating from another language.

Oral Communication: Emphasis is placed on spoken language, with a significant amount of classroom time dedicated to conversational practice.
Vocabulary Acquisition: New vocabulary is taught through demonstration, realia (real objects), pictures, mime, and contextualization, rather than through L1 translation.
Inductive Grammar: Grammar rules are not explicitly taught or explained in L1; instead, learners are expected to discover them inductively through exposure to examples and natural language use.
Pronunciation Focus: Correct pronunciation and intonation are highly prioritized from the beginning.
Self-Correction: Students are encouraged to self-correct their errors, often prompted by the teacher.
Teacher's Role: The teacher acts as a facilitator and an active participant in conversations, primarily using only the target language.
Drilling and Question-Answer Sessions: Extensive use of question-and-answer exchanges helps build fluency and automaticity.

The Direct Method was influential in shaping modern communicative approaches and highlighted the importance of oral proficiency.
Questions about the Direct Method frequently appear in competitive exams, often focusing on its core principles, especially the exclusion of the mother tongue and its contrast with the Grammar-Translation Method.
Key figures associated with its development include Charles Berlitz (founder of Berlitz School of Languages) and Franke.

Challenger App