Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 246 Wed. February 02, 2005  
   
Letters to Editor


Teaching grammar


My thanks to Khan Md. Iqbal Hossain, English teacher, Bangladesh Rifles College, Dhaka, for initiating a lively academic debate on "teaching grammar" at the earlier stages of the academic life of students. What is the purpose of language? Is it for itself or for communicating with others? Whether language first or grammar first? It is a vital question. Our main purpose is to learn a language, formal or corpus (informal) language, not grammar. Formal language should be accurate in writing and speaking. However, corpus language sometimes needs accuracy but not always. It needs fluency, looking at whether the purpose is served or not. The point I mentioned in my comments on 26.1.05 was that how teaching of grammar could be taught. It could be taught consciously or subconsciously.

Consciously learning a language whether it is L1 or L2 has practically no difference at all. Conscious learning retards acquisition of learning. Learning subconsciously is spontaneous and natural. Effective learning occurs when students enjoy complete safety and independence. Students will correct themselves by the discovery way of learning. Imitation is one of the important ways of learning. We can't ignore it. We can allow students to talk and exchange their views and ideas in classrooms, transmitting information among themselves even with the teachers forgetting any mistakes made by them. If any mistakes are found, direct correction should not be done. Because they may feel embarrassed. Opportunity should be given to the learners to be corrected by themselves. The sense of grammar (structure of language) will automatically grow up through practice.

Language is for communication. If one can communicate with others, the purpose of language is served. In general we need to speak English fluently, because it is important in our socio-economic culture.

I am not opposing teaching grammar; I am stressing teaching grammar inductively. Nothing can be shortcut. Learning needs perseverance and determination.