The Intricacies Of Grammar: The Art Of Language And Language

The first step in understanding the intricacies of grammar is defining the word, or coming to an understanding of the meaning of the word in context. In order to do this we will start by examining the origin of the word. The word grammar originated from the greek word gramma meaning ‘the art of writing’. The key word in this phrase being ‘art’. The meaning of the word art can be defined as: Method/field of expression, as in; ‘I am interested in the art of poetry’. Therefore by definition ‘grammar’ means; A means of expression through verbal or written communication. The key word being ‘expression’. In order to shed more light on the subject, lets examine the meaning of expression. Expression can be defined as the act of making known ones thoughts

The reason for this probe into the manner in which grammar is generally approached could be made clear by looking at one of the definitions of the word ‘Grammar’ on the Merriam-Webster website, which states the following; Grammar is - ‘Speech or writing evaluated according to its conformity to grammatical rules’. By looking at this definition one is compelled to see that the focus is being shifted away from the ultimate goal of the implementation of the rule, focusing rather

Utilizing the Psychological Aspects of Grammar to Gain a Better Understanding of its Difficulties on the rule itself. This statement is in direct contradiction with the cause for the development of grammar as a set of rules. An attempt to conform entirely to grammar rules often leads to an over zealous approach which results in a decrease in clarity of the communication, which is known as ‘hypercorrections’. Whats more is it is perfectly clear that hypercorrections stem from the fact that instead of understanding grammar the writer compensates by memorizing the components of grammar. The actual reason for the implementation of grammar rules which can be more accurately defined as; Applying

Thus it is acceptable to say that the goal of clear communication should always trump the goal of grammatical accurateness. After all the fact that so many contradictions exist to the rules of grammar, is a clear indication that the rules are created to keep up with the norms of communication, thereby putting grammar as a set of rules, in a constant state of ‘catching up’ to the goal. This notion is backed by Diane Larsen-Freeman, Director of the English

Language Institute at the University of Michigan. Her studies in ‘The fifth skill in language teaching and learning’(Larsen-Freeman, D, 2001) strengthen the argument that perhaps it is time for a reform of what is considered the successful application of grammar rules. In other words The quest for understanding grammar needs to be refocused in order to be employed for the right purpose. In short, understanding the meaning of grammar should come before the mental indexing of grammar rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion of the information presented above, this paper seeks to suggest that the adoption of a different perspective on grammar, such as the one indicated by the