The Role of Grammar in Language Teaching and Learning

The Role of Grammar in Language Teaching Learning

Introduction

In this ever changing world , the barriers to communication and understanding must be lowered . The acquisition of linguistic skills requires that one must be able to master it and use it to communicate effectively to people who are using that same language , like English for instance . For learners of this particular language to communicate effectively , teachers in the language arts have a very important role to play in teaching every aspect of English , particularly its grammar and use . This is because , to

understand and be understood , grammar is an important part of language and communication

The English Language

The English language , a language belonging to the Germanic languages branch of the Indo-European language family , is widely spoken in six continents . It is the primary language of the United States , Britain Canada , Australia , Ireland , New Zealand , and various Caribbean and Pacific island nations it is also the official language of about 45 nations including India , the Philippines , and many sub-Saharan African countries . Other than this , it is the second most widely spoken native language in the world , the mother tongue of more than 350 million people , and the most widely taught foreign language (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia , 2006 . The United Nations uses English not only as one of its official languages but also as one of its two working languages . The language is also the dominant international language in communications science , business , aviation , entertainment , diplomacy and the Internet (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia , 2003

Usage

English relies mainly on word : usually subject-verb-object , to indicate relationships between words . But many , including native speakers of the language , are still finding it hard to use the language correctly

In the past , there have been those willing to provide guidance to the public on "correct " usage of the language . America 's most famous lexicographer , Noah Webster , for instance , published a dictionary and speller which taught not only spelling but also pronunciation , common sense , morals , and good citizenship . Other lexicographers have also attempted to produce material that would serve as guide for the public regarding correct use of the English language (Encyclopedia of American History , 2006

Like other languages , English has changed greatly . English easily borrows words from other languages and has coined many new words to reflect advances in technology . Changes of every sort have taken place concomitantly in the sounds (phonetics , in their distribution (phonemics , and in the grammar (morphology and syntax (The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia , 2003

English is the most widely learned and used language even in non-native English speaking nations . It is widely learned and used for communication purposes especially in the academe and in businesses Because of this wide use of the language , it has often been referred to as the global language or the lingua franca of the modern era . It is currently the language most often sought and taught as a second language around the world (Wikipedia , 2007

Grammar

Today , use of formal Standard English is required in the workplace and...