Bilingual Method: A Novel Approach

Abstract

There are several methods, approaches, and theories of teaching a second language, though the bilingual method has its approaches to developing a second language. Often, many teachers adopt this method in their classroom to teach a second language. It is one of the effective methods until its goal is undivided. If the teacher ignores this method\'s objective and ineffective use, it merely becomes a translation of one language into another. Its effectiveness is futile, so the teacher should be careful while using it in the classroom.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Different terms in teaching language explain the teaching style in a classroom, like technique, approach, and method; all provide a better knowledge of language to the learner and make the learning active. Depending on the context and the convenience, the teacher adopts a different technique to teach language. These are all based on communicative language teaching and task-based methods. Let us look at this terminology and how it differs from one to another.

1. Approach: The approach is a set of beliefs about the nature of language learning and teaching.
2. Method: Method is a process based on a systematic select language approach
3. Technique: Technique is a specific activity manifested in a classroom that consists of a method and has harmony with an approach.
4. Language Theory: Language theory is a topic in language philosophy, and answering the question of what is language.

II. OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of this research paper are

1. To understand the concept of the bilingual method, technique or approach
2. To look into the effectiveness of the bilingual method

III. RESEARCH METHOD

The data has been collected from both primary and secondary sources. Most of the data has been collected from secondary sources, and a considerable amount of data has been drafted from the observation.

IV. DISCUSSION

In the academic researchers' view and linguists', no single and suitable method applies to all types of learners in all contexts, so no teaching method is excellent or superior. Every method has its importance and specialty to be used based on the needs of learners. The bilingual method allows the teacher and pupils to learn the target language and the mother tongue, which is used to achieve the target language. It suits the Indian multicultural context since people belong to different regional languages.

It is a known fact that English is a global language. During and after British rule, it was used in Indian government administration and other systems. According to the Indian Constitution, it is the official language for associates, and the standard language for communication, and many regional languages exist in India. It is the link language and window to the world. People throughout the world understand the advantages and importance of English.

Dodson (1967) was the pioneer in developing the bilingual method. He developed it as a counterpart to the audiovisual method and set out to improve it. In it, two revolutionary principles are based on the results of scientifically controlled experiments in primary and secondary schools. This method allows the teacher and pupils to use two languages. The target language is to be learned, and the mother tongue is used to achieve the target language. In this approach, the teacher frequently reads and transforms the text into the pupil's mother tongue. The method has some of the principles. They are

1. Often, an observer found in a running classroom that pupils understand words and sentences in foreign languages more efficiently using their mother tongue.
2. In the classroom, if this approach is followed, the teacher does not need to create artificial situations while teaching the meaning of words and sentences in the target language.
3. The Bilingual method combines the Direct Method and the Grammar translation method.

Similarly, the method has both advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to the advantages are

• This approach emphasizes speech practice and provides more extraordinary practice in speaking English
• It suits rural and urban schools and uses linguistic habits formed while learning the mother tongue.
• It makes pupils learn two languages simultaneously and saves the teacher's time, energy and labour.
• It facilitates even an average English teacher to teach the lesson successfully.
• It requires no teaching aids and is suitable for all students.

 The disadvantages are

• This approach is still experimental and ignores other language skills like reading and writing.
• It neglects systematic grammar teaching and makes students passive listeners.
• It makes pupils unable to think freely, and they often become dependent on their mother tongue.
• It is sometimes rather impossible to Provide a correct mother-tongue equivalent or translation is sometimes rather impossible.
• A contrast between the features of the two languages will likely confuse students.

Conclusion

English is the standard language for communication and the medium of instruction in educational institutions and government and private offices. It is the link language and window to the world. All these circumstances insist our students learn English, for which the bilingual method suits the Indian multilingual context where people speak different regional languages. Learning in two languages exposes students to diverse cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. This exposure fosters cultural empathy as students gain an understanding and respect for various perspectives. Bilingual education nurtures global citizenship, empowering students to become inclusive, open-minded individuals.

References

[1] Richard, Jack C. , & Rodgers, Theodore S. (2001). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. New York: Cambridge University Press [2] Saparbaevna, N. K. (n.d.). Bilingual Methods Of Teaching English: Principles And Advantages, source: http://www.rusnauka.com /16_PN_2016/Pedagogica/5_211516.doc.htm [3] Yardi V.V. (1977) reprint (2009) ‘Teaching English in India Today”, Aurangabad: Saket Prakashan, P. 172 [4] https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Bilingual_method [5] https://sisu.ut.ee/multilingual/book/export/html/19172 - :~:text=Varying%20Aims%20of%20Bilingual%20 Education&text=To%20unify%20a%20 multilingual%20society,marketable%2C%20aiding%20employment%20and%20status.

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Dr. Y Raghunatha Rao. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.