The Grammar-Translation method is the oldest method for teaching English as a foreign language. It was dominant from the 1800s to the 1940s and is still used today in some areas. Under this method, students first study grammar rules and parts of speech in their native language and practice translation between the native language and English. Reading and writing are the main skills focused on, while speaking and listening receive little direct instruction. Accuracy and memorization of vocabulary and grammatical rules are emphasized over natural language use. While it helps with understanding words and grammar comparisons, weaknesses include a lack of focus on communication skills and the inability to directly translate some linguistic aspects between languages.