The Direct Method (also known as the Berlitz Method)

Language learning is a fascinating process that has long been studied and debated by linguists and language instructors. One of the earliest methods developed for teaching a second language was the Direct Method, also known as the Berlitz Method. This approach grew out of a reform movement in the 1880s when linguists turned away from the traditional Grammar Translation Method and focused on how children learn their first language.


The Direct Method was based on the belief that children learn language through listening and speaking, and that adults could learn a second language the same way. The approach focused on spoken language, rather than reading and writing. To facilitate this, the International Phonetic Alphabet was developed in 1886, allowing linguists to refer to a standard set of pronunciation.


In the Direct Method, key sentences are taught through repetition in the classroom. Students memorize full sentences that relate to their needs, such as "Where is the bathroom?" or "How do I get to the airport?" These sentences are taught orally, and the teacher only speaks in the target language. Clear pronunciation and precise grammar are the focus, and sentences are not categorized by difficulty in the beginning stages.


Although the Direct Method has fallen out of favor in recent years, it played a significant role in the development of language teaching. It initiated further studies in second language acquisition and marked the beginning of the "methods era." Linguists and instructors began experimenting and developing methods that best suited the needs of their students and classrooms.


Overall, the Direct Method is a testament to the evolving nature of language teaching. While it may no longer be the preferred approach, it paved the way for new methods and approaches that continue to shape the way we teach and learn languages today.




 

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