JONATHAN BUSH

Unlocking Language Success: Rethinking Grammar

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Traditional language education falls short in guiding learners to fluency. Teaching students grammar before having them build a strong vocabulary can lead to frustration and dislike for the language.

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Language resembles a jigsaw puzzle, where words are the pieces, and grammar acts as the guiding tool that enables people to connect the pieces, creating a properly structured and coherent picture.

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Imagine attempting to complete a beautiful jigsaw puzzle or 'your ideas, thoughts, opinions, beliefs' without having all the required pieces and, on top of that, not understanding how to put the pieces together to form that beautiful picture? It would be frustrating, right? Indeed, it is frustrating for those who do not learn how to communicate grammar effectively and precisely.

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Well, yes, but to minimize that frustration, it might help to work harder to improve the accuracy in which you apply grammatical structure to your ideas, thoughts, and opinions. After all, you are special, are you not?

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Understanding that we, as individuals, are often judged by the quality of our verbal expression, let's not lead others to undervalue our intellect and competence.

With insufficient knowledge of how grammar should be applied and a limited vocabulary, your true beauty will most rarely be recognized.

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A few examples that cause underappreciation for English grammar:

 

• Not recognizing the power of words in professional and clear communication.

• Not aware of the importance of grammar for effective communication.

• Prioritizing fluency over accuracy.

• Negative relationship with grammar due to traumatic classroom experiences from childhood.

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Here are some ways to study grammar more efficiently:

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• Set clear goals.

• Understand grammar rules.

• Practice regularly.

• Focus on problem areas.

• Use authentic materials.

• Seek clarification.

• Take advantage of technology.

• Review and reinforce.

• Practice in context

• Get feedback.

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Having a solid understanding and mastering grammar rules and applying them correctly is necessary for fluency in speaking.  Do not underestimate the importance of grammar.