The role of grammar in learning a new language
Is learning grammar necessary for picking up a new language? Take any language course and one of the first things you’ll be taught, in addition to basics like counting to ten, or how to say hello, is grammar. Learning tables of verb conjugations, and countless grammar rules are usually considered the core of any language learning class, without which a student would be completely lost. However, a language acquisition theory from Dr. Stephen Krashen, a renowned linguistics professor, suggests picking up a new language doesn’t require any conscious knowledge of grammar; instead, the best and most effective methods of acquiring a new language occur through regular and useful conversation.
Dr. Krashen actually separates the way people learn languages into two separate categories: the “acquired system” and the “learned system”. The acquired points to learning a new language in an almost subconscious manner, mostly through regular communication and interaction using the target language. The learned system, on the other hand, points to the traditional method of learning that many of us are used to, in which we learn conjugations, grammar rules, tenses, etc. The most important conclusion of Krashen’s hypothesis, however, is that the “acquired system” is more effective and indeed better than the “learned system” used by most language schools worldwide.
From a basic perspective, the theory definitely makes sense, as a language student living in foreign country surrounded by native speakers of their target language would obviously learn faster and more effectively than someone just memorizing grammar tables in class. Of course, not everyone has the privilege to study abroad, although Dr. Krashen insists there are “acquired system” techniques which can be employed in the classroom as well. The debate is definitely an interesting one and continues with heated arguments from both sides to this day.
If you’re a language teacher or a linguistics expert, I’d love to hear your view on this. Drop me a line here.
4 comments
As an American living in first Taiwan and then China I have watched hundreds of foreigners as they spend years in China with very little to show for it in the way of language skills. It isn’t enough to be surrounded by language. One has to notice the language and try to make sense of it as well. In order words, one must make a focused and conscious effort.
So as much as I agree with many things Krashen says experience tells me that focus and attention, two aspects of studying in a classroom and studying grammar, are also important when it comes to acquiring a language.
The difference, as Krashen says, is the difference between focus on form vs. focus on meaning. Thus, I suspect that a learner’s grammar that elevates meaning at the expense of form would pass Krashen’s criteria.
My guess is that this is NOT possible at the beginning level. Beginning students have enough trouble focusing on the meaning of words without also adding the additional burden of having to focus on grammar too.
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your insights on this topic. I very appreciate your point of distinguishing between a beginner and a more advanced learner. There’s something with your theory of the role of grammar being more important to a more advanced learner than to a complete beginner. I wonder if there’s research that supports this theory? I’d love to read more about this topic.
I wish I could tell you where to go. I don’t claim this is my idea, but then I also can’t tell you where it comes from. It could be Paul nation.
I picked up my second language by much trial and error. After you lose the fear of sounding stupid it goes so much faster.
Leave a Comment