ENGLISH GRAMMAR

The role of grammar in language teaching

Learning grammar is essential to master a language but it must not be forgotten that a language is, above all, a way of communicating.

When we begin to study a language we are suddenly immersed in the study of grammar. But what is grammar? We can define it as the set of rules that control the way a language works. And why is it so necessary to learn grammar? Starting from the definition offered above, we can say that, if we master the grammar of a language, we will master the language itself; since we will be able to handle and manipulate words and form meaningful units that allow us to express ourselves and be understood.

Until relatively recently, the study of grammar was considered highly relevant in language teaching. However, today, the importance of teaching grammar is being questioned. What is clear is that knowledge of grammatical rules is essential for mastering a language. But the acquisition of these rules is approached very differently by a native speaker and by a language student. The acquisition of the mother tongue in childhood is an unconscious process and does not require planning for learning. On the other hand, a student of a second language carries out a conscious learning process that requires more or less dedication.

(2020). Retrieved 25 September 2020, from https://www.brownandparis.com/single-post/2015/11/25/El-papel-de-la-gram%C3%A1tica-en-la-ense%C3%B1anza-de-idiomas