Grammar as an Essential Part of Each Language - Assignment Example

Grammar is an essential part of each language because it defines how sentences and phrases should be formed in order for communication to be effective. While native speakers learn the grammatical structures naturally, as they learn to talk, certain rules still require additional learning because spoken language often differs from Standard English, as defined by the linguists. In everyday conversations we may often use structures that are not common for, for example, correct written communication, or those that are not grammatically correct.

So, in order for our English to be close to the Standard English, we have to learn grammar. A teacher’s language is just required to be correct because it will be the examples for students to follow. It is especially true for those, whose first language is not English. Consequently, an ESL/EFL teacher has to know both descriptive and prescriptive grammar in order to teach students to communicate correctly. While descriptive grammar can be learned by students from examples (via reading, listening, and then imitation), it is important for them to know prescriptive grammar as well in order to be able to form own sentences correctly and independently from the models provided in class.

Therefore, in my opinion, a future ESL/EFL teacher should know, and be ready to teach the prescriptive grammar rules. This knowledge will help to both structure the teaching process, and clarify certain grammatical aspects for the students. In addition, knowledge of the basic rules of grammar will help the teacher to form own sentences correctly, and, as a result, be a good example for the students to follow. So, the correctness of the teacher’s speech adds to the students’ learning. Besides, the teacher must understand the basic rules of grammar because otherwise one will not be able to teacher grammar effectively.

While such understanding involves the correctness of the teacher’s own speech, it also requires some additional knowledge that will help to explain the students why this or that sentences is formed in the particular way. If students do not understand the reasons, they are usually unlikely to be able to form own correct sentences without the supportive examples. On the contrary, when students know the rules to follow, they are more likely to use them in independent speech or writing. Another important aspect of language for the teacher to know is ‘metalanguage’ – vocabulary used to describe the language.

It is a tool for the teacher to explain grammar rules to the students. The teacher has to know how to name the grammatical forms, structures, and processes, in order to transfer this knowledge to students. The metalanguage then becomes a common ground for the teacher and the class to discuss, analyze, and learn grammar rules. So, in order for the teacher to effectively teach grammar to ESL/EFL students, one should know and practically use both descriptive (to teacher conversational patterns), and prescriptive (to teach Standard English) grammar rules.

This will ensure that students have a good language example to follow. Metalanguage should be used as a tool for teaching grammar to students.