DAY 2 - MORNING SESSION - MAVIS

WHAT IS GRAMMAR?

"Grammar is sometimes defined as the way words are put together to make correct sentences." Penny Ur

An oversimplification but a good starting point

By adding Grammar the message is made less ambiguous. E.g. "the bill please" "Could you please send the bill....."
Diane Larsen-Freeman

• define pieces of a language, organize sentences, verb tenses, structure of texts
• it gives formal meaning to a speech
• grammatical items can refer to units smaller than sentences(e.g I am a teacher is grammatical; i a teacher is not grammatical)
• grammar can occur in single words( -ed for pas simple; -s, es for plural)
• we can mix different approaches when teaching grammar
• be aware of grammar explanations on text books

GRAMMARING

the ability to use grammar structures accurately, meaningfully, and appropriately. Grammar lessons are no longer about knowing language systems (declarative knowledge), but about knowing how to use language (procedural knowledge).
http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/general-language-discussions/15096-what-grammaring.html