NIHONGOCENTRAL | Studying Grammar

Studying Grammar

The best way to learn grammar is the way every well spoken individual learns to do so.
STEP 1: Pick a language
STEP 2: Study until you reach a level
STEP 3: Review a grammar book to understand what you have learned
STEP N: Repeat steps 2 & 3

Some may be confused at this point, but its understandable. Take a moment and think about it. Languages are organic, they develop and change over time. Not a single natural language developed out of a set of rules. On the contrary, every language was fully developed before its grammar rules were established. In other words, language came before grammar, and that is the way it should be taught.

Textbooks & Classes

Textbooks present grammar using rigid rules in a structured order that is usually not from the perspective of the target language [L2]. This makes teaching and grading L2 easier (systematic) for the teacher, while using L2 much harder for the student. This also gives makes L2 more difficult to learn than it is. Grammatical and lexical frequency of use by native speakers is virtually ignored in consideration of a textbook order/structure written from the perspective of L1. Formal forms are taught first, and informal/familiar forms are left for later chapters. However, informal structures are generally more practical and useful for students.

Comprehensible Input

CI is one of the most (if not the most) prominent, modern theories on Second Language Acquisition (SLA). It states: (1) We acquire languages only when we receive comprehensible input. (2) Output [speaking] in L2 does not result in language acquisition. (3) Comprehensible output is the result of language acquisition [input]. (4) Comprehensible input is a better method of developing grammatical accuracy than direct grammar study. (5) The order of language acquisition is based on a natural order, not a teaching order. (6) Demand for speaking [output] is minimal, for direct acquisition of L2. (However, output can be helpful if the acquirer is in a position in which s/he can receive comprehensible input.) Steve Kauffman of LingQ sums it up quite well, here.

see Sentence Method for applying comprehensible grammar

In order to achieve a level sufficient enough to produce grammatical output, you need to acquire significant comprehensible input (CI), while avoiding incorrect usage via output (trial and error). This means, you should find examples of L2 for every situation and study as many examples as necessary, in order to understand how the grammar is used. According to this method, the grammar is studied implicitly, not explicitly, and incorrect usage is ignored (and avoided).

see Mistakes Damage by Antimoon

Mental Filters & Natural Tendencies

Directly studying grammar is believed to create a mental filter in second language learners which forces then to think about each utterance in L2 before producing output. This is best exemplified by people who language learners that pause and say “umm” for unnatural spans of time as they try to compute and plug vocabulary into grammar structures.

It has also been demonstrated that knowing grammar does not necessarily result in correct usage usage of L2. This is best exemplified by two types of natural tendencies. (1) Using grammar structures from L2 that are not present in L1, such as the distinction between males and female pronouns in Chinese. (2) Making deductions with L2 that are not grammatically correct, such saying “eated” instead of “eaten” in English.