外语教学法问答题及答案

1-What are the function and result of the two controversies in ancient Greece? 古希腊两个著名论争的功能和结果？

One controversy was between the naturalists and the conventionalists. The naturalists argued that the form of words reflected the nature of objects. The conventionalists thought that language was conventional and there was no logic connection between form and meaning of words. The other controversy was between the analogiata and the anomalists on the regularities of language. The analogists claimed language was regular and there were rules for people to follow. The anomalists maintained there were no rules . Their debate roused people’s interest in language and led them to the detailed study of Greek. The direct result was the appearance of a book of Greek grammar.

2 What are the main features of traditional linguistics? 传统语言学的主要特征

Traditional Linguistics was practical in nature. People made a study of language in order to read classic works. Traditional linguists believed that the written form of language was superior to spoken form. They tried to set up principles and standards for people to use language correctly.

3-What are the contributions made by Franz Boas, Edward Sapir and Leonard Bloomfield to the development of American structuralism? Franz Boas, Edward Sapir and Leonard Bloomfield对美国结构主义发展的贡献

Franz Boas and Edward Sapir were forerunners of American structuralism. Boas studied the American Indians’ languages and found that the traditional grammatical model could not be used to analyse the structure of those languages. He had to describe those language as they were used. This started American structuralism. Leonard Bloomfield accepted the theories and principles of Franz Boas. He argued that linguists should describe instead of prescribing what people say and should take an inductive approach in analyzing data. In 1933, he published the book Language. It soon became the bible of American structuralism.

Why is the first language forbidden in a Direct Method classroom?

---The direct methodologists consider foreign language learning as similar to first language acquisition. The leaner should try to establish a direct association between language forms and meanings in the target language. The foreign language is considered an interfering factor, rather than a reference. In order to develop the students’ ability to communicate in the target language, students should be encouraged to think in the target language. The best method is not to make the learner learn the language rules, but to provide direct practice in listening and speaking through imitation and repetition.

4-What is the influence of behaviorism over American structuralism? 行为主义对美国结构主义的影响