LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 13:3 March 2013
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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M. S. Thirumalai
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Is Task-based Language Teaching ‘The Answer’?

Dr. Munawar Iqbal Ahmed
Syed Razzi ul Hussnain

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to critically evaluate Task based language teaching (TBLT), understand its theoretical foundations, its implications for classroom practice and material design, and how it works in the language teaching context of Pakistan. The article explains that evolution of TBLT in its present form clearly indicates that it is a practical manifestation of communicative language teaching (CLT). It is also discussed how tasks can help learners engage in the process of negotiation for meaning that may ultimately lead them towards gaining language proficiency.

The authors also note that current language teaching environment and examination system in Pakistan may pose a serious challenge for a language teacher to use TBLT in classrooms.

However, it is noted that adapting TBLT to the local needs and situations may be the answer, various suggestions/recommendations in this regard are also given. The article also analyses various myths such as there is no room for ‘focus on form’ in TBLT and TBLT is not suitable for exam based teaching. While evaluating TBLT Krashen’s ground-breaking but controversial ideas such as the distinction between learning acquisition (acquisition-learning hypothesis) were also discussed.

Key terms: Task based language teaching (TBLT), Grammar translation method (GTM), Direct method, Audio lingual method(ALM), Communicative language teaching (CLT), Focus on form, acquisition-learning hypothesis, Second language teaching, Second language(L2)

Task-based Language Teaching

Task-based language teaching (TBLT) is one of the approaches to teach English as a second language. It aims at teaching language through engaging students in meaningful tasks, thus breaking away from the traditional methods of language teaching.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. Munawar Iqbal Ahmed
Chairperson, Department of English
International Islamic University Islamabad
Pakistan
munawar.gondal@iiu.edu.pk

Syed Razzi ul Hussnain
Lecturer
Department of English
International Islamic University
Islamabad
Pakistan
syedrazi5@hotmail.com
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