Audio lingual method

1.      Introduction

The Audio-Lingual method of teaching had its origins during World War II when it became known as the Army method.  It is also called the aural oral approach. It is based on the structural view of language and the behaviorist theory of language learning.

2.      Structuralism

The structural view to language is the view behind the audio-lingual method. This approach focused on examining how the elements of language related to each other in the present, that is, ‘synchronically‘ rather than ‘diachronically‘. It was also argued that  linguistics  signs were composed of two parts, a signifier (the sound pattern of a word) and a signified (the concept or meaning of the word). The study of language aims at describing the performance ,the“Parole”  as it is the only observable part of language.

3.      Characteristics of the audio lingual method,

·         language learning is habit-formation,

·         mistakes are bad and should be avoided, as they are considered bad habits,

·         language skills are learned more effectively if they are presented orally first, then in written form,

·         analogy is a better foundation for language learning than analysis,

·         The meanings of words can be learned only in a linguistic and cultural context.

4.      Purpose

·         The audio lingual method is accurate pronunciation and grammar.

·         The ability to respond quickly and accurately in speech situations 

·         Knowledge of sufficient vocabulary to use with grammar patterns.

5.      the syllabus

audio lingual uses a structural syllabus.

6.      Types of learning and activity

·         Dialogue

·         Drills

7.      Advantages

·         It aims at developing listening and speaking skills which is a step away from the Grammar translation method.

·         The use of visual aid  has proven its effectiveness in vocabulary teaching.

8.      Disadvantages

·         The method is based on false assumptions about language. The study of language doesn’t amount to studying the “parole”, the observable data. Mastering a language relies on acquiring the rules underlying language performance.

·          The behaviorist approach to learning is now discredited. Many scholars have proven its weakness. Noam Chomsky (“Chomsky, Noam (1959). “A Review of B. F. Skinner’s Verbal behavior”) has written a strong criticism of the principles of the theory.