Perspectives on the teaching of French in Malta

Abstract

The introduction of the audio-visual method, "La France en Direct", for the teaching of French in Malta detonated waves of scepticism and criticism from Malta detonated waves of scepticism and criticism form many quarters. Part one of this work provides the background by tracing some ideas which influenced language study and teaching, from the time of the Greeks to the present day. Traditional methods: normative grammar and translation are examined in part two. The standard text used till recently is analysed and criticised in detail, and the theoretical aspects of translation are discussed. Part three is meant to show that the audio-visual method is neither a phenomenon particular to our little island, nor is it an eclectic invention by innovative freaks. This part backs up the method theoretically. In part four, local material and pedagogical problems are examined in the light of results from a questionnaire distributed among teachers. The section ends with a list of recommendations for possible area of improvement.