Grammar cannot be ignored

The fundamental purpose of a language is not only to communicate, but communicate in a precise, concise and intelligible manner to avoid confusion. This requires that all aspects of the language be taught simultaneously and understood holistically. It’s not a matter of just grammar or just reading. Syntax, grammar and punctuation are all vital to avoid conveying information contrary to the intended.

There is no secret to learning the English language properly. It requires rote, oral and visual practice. Coming from a professional writer, Joan Didion’s remark, “Grammar is a piano I play by ear”, is not particularly helpful to a student learning a language. English grammar is very comprehensive, providing for absolute precision.

A recent report in an English newspaper was headlined, “The PM held a meeting about world terrorism in London”. This suggested that the world terrorism was in London, when in fact the meeting about world terrorism was in London. When the syntax is wrong, the message is misleading. 

English youth often write, in the conditional, “could of” instead of “could have”. A preposition is used as a verb. It’s grammatical nonsense.

Asked about a London street survey revealing poor understanding of the use of the apostrophe, the dean of a US university said, “I’m not so sure I would know that now.” Cant (insincere talk) without the apostrophe has a totally different meaning from can’t, the contraction of cannot. Bills is the plural of bill, while Bill’s means belonging to Bill. Punctuation can completely change meaning.

Reading is very important for learning, but only the reading of correct English. Unfortunately many tabloid journalists have adopted their own language of sensationalism and trim their writing in an effort to summarise. The language of electronic texting – “U” for “you” and “R” for “are” and the trite “lol” for ‘laugh out loud’ – has made nonsense of a great language.

Yes, in England, grammar has become of secondary importance, as have syntax and punctuation, because English is taught “parrot fashion”, and often in regional accents, confusing students. Constant degradation over the last six decades has resulted in the blind leading the blind. The British press no longer provides a reliable learning tool. Read publications printed prior to 1960. Although any language evolves over time due to social change, the basic fundamentals must be learned and adhered to.

JC Wilcox