January 26, 2012
A lot of language learners I know steer clear of studying grammar. While they do pick up language structures and principles every once in a while, it’s not something they deliberately set out to do. Grammar, after all, can be daunting, confusing and, after a while, downright boring.
There is immense value in studying grammar, though, especially if you’re serious about truly being fluent in a language. While I don’t advocate diving into a grammar book and figuring everything out either, you might want to consider getting one as a reference material for your language learning.
Instead of killing your interest in the language by studying a grammar book in detail (and yes, it is a death sentence), you can use the grammar book as an occasional reference. Say, you encounter a phrase, a sentence or a construction that baffles you — look it up and see what the exact rules are in the language for that situation.
When you first get the grammar, though, read it. We don’t mean poring over it like a textbook back in college. Instead, read it casually, as you would read the newspaper in the morning. Doing so will give you a general, big picture idea of the important elements of the language, all while familiarizing you with the contents of the book. That way, you’ll have a better idea of where to look when you need to reference it later.
October 8, 2010
Some language students prefer studying grammar. In fact, many systems are built around the study of grammar in order to help people develop different sets of skills in a foreign language.
An approach that has gotten increasingly popular, though, is to disregard grammar altogether. Instead, students focus their attentions on other things, such as vocabulary-building, memorizing phrases or using non-verbal aspects of communication. Rather than look at grammar clinically, they simply deduce it as they learn to use more of the target language.
Many schools use this strategy. So do a lot of foreign language programs. Suffice to say, it works very well, especially for students who might struggle with studying grammar on a more technical basis (those who regularly fell asleep during grammar school come to mind).
When you’re using the language actively, understanding grammatical rules is inevitable. We’re not saying you’re going to pass a test that asks you to list various grammar concepts; however, you will, eventually, see the relationships between elements of the language, such that you can use it to form correct sentences on your own.
Because it dispenses with grammar and translation activities, many newer students actually prefer this approach. It’s a lot more accessible and, often, leads to faster results.
September 9, 2010
In the grammar-based approach to language learning, primary focus is placed on learning the different rules of grammar that govern the target language. The belief is that, once you have the grammar down pat, vocabulary becomes all that much easier to integrate.
You’ll find this type of instruction prevalent in many language learning books, especially older ones. Some language classes and foreign language programs continue to use them, as well, although most have passed it up in favor of vocabulary-based approaches. Why? Largely, because it takes a while to gain enough grammar knowledge to be able to use the language. With most modern individuals seeking out “quick results,” this approach has fallen to the wayside in favor of others that facilitate instantly-usable lessons.
The advantage of grammar-based learning is its focus on the rules and structures of the language, which helps students develop skills in both reading and writing, aside from speaking and listening. Once you can get enough facility in the rules of grammar, after all, speaking fluently becomes easier – just a matter of plugging in the holes in your vocabulary.
Most sessions using this approach start off with basic vocabulary lessons. Then, using those base words, you then begin getting into the language’s different grammar guidelines. As with your grade-school grammar classes, this usually involves plenty of rote memorization, making it one of the most frustrating approaches for language learning.
March 23, 2010
People can learn languages without a grammar lesson. I think that’s a fact that can be accepted at face value. After all, how do you expect two-year olds pick up a spoken language? They don’t exactly attend class, do they?
Even as adults, though, learning a language doesn’t require wrapping your head around the rules of grammar. Simple activities such as memorizing vocabulary, practicing common phrases with a group or getting into an exchange with a native speaker can be all the learning that a second language student will require.
However, there are people who feel that they need to “understand grammar” before being able to grow into a new language. Some folks just have that personal barrier, where they need to learn proper form before being able to sufficiently learn a new way of speaking. For these folks, studying a book on grammar along with their primary learning material (such as a comprehensive language training program) will serve them very well.
On the other side of the coin, there are many individuals who feel threatened by studying grammar. I know this first-hand because I am among them. While I do have a good grasp of the rules of English, studying it from scratch on another language just daunt me. Luckily for us, language learning can proceed steadily even without it.
So, to answer the question: you don’t need to learn grammar to gain facility in a new language. However, if you prefer its structure over the looseness of other activities, it might serve you well too.
December 6, 2009
English grammar used to send a lump down my throat. For some reason, grade school managed to paint a picture of horror for me anytime grammar was involved. I know that a lot of people are, as well. Fact is, you don’t have to be afraid of it, even with the new language you’re learning.
At its most basic, grammar is an aid for communication. Without these rules to govern our speech, each individual can end up having their own version of a language. Imagine three people talking, every one of them using a different set of structure for the language. The likelihood for misunderstanding is momentous.
When you learn a language through immersion, naturally integrating it into your speech, you actually end up internalizing the grammar, provided you’re following the patterns, structures and usage that you to identify from them. Of course, once those rules are laid down for you to memorize, it can get pretty daunting. Regardless, know that if you can speak a language, there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with its grammar – you just haven’t verbalized the specific rules.
If you think you have to obsess over grammar to reach high facility with a language, let me assure you that you don’t. The purpose of learning grammar is not to memorize all the rules. Rather, it’s to be able to apply them to form clear sentences that will communicate your ideas to others.
Keep that in time the next time you sit down for the grammar portion of your language software. No need to sweat it.
March 19, 2009
When you start out learning a new language, figuring out how to use simple words and sentences is usually enough to lend you with enough basic communication skills. When advancing your grasp of it, however, noticing patterns in sentence construction and grammar will go a long way towards speeding up your ability to use it effectively.
Take special notice of how verbs are used in the sentences. Find out how their use changes in conjunction with people, objects, tense, voice, mood, gender and other grammatical functions. If you spend enough time with a language, you’ll figure out the patterns of inflection which will help you use the language in more correct ways.
Sound plays a major part in most languages. Even with English, the same words using a different tone can indicate a question, a statement or a command. When you’re speaking in foreign tongues, sounds you’re used to making in your native language may not necessarily indicate the same meaning. Instead, listen to native speakers and watch how they use sounds to properly communicate with others.
There’s no easier way to learn correct pronunciation than with understanding patterns. Look up groups of letters in your language course book or language learning software and practice speaking them. If you start learning pronunciation from working with complete words, you’ll likely have a very hard time.
Patterns exist everywhere in language. The more you’re able to understand them, the easier that learning it will eventually become for you.
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