Objectives of Teaching Grammar: 1. It helps to use the language effectively.
2. Knowledge of the underlying ‘rules’ of grammar is provided.
3. To develop students insight into the structure of English language.
4. To enable the students to assimilate the correct patterns of the language.
5. To teach grammar as a rule governed behavior.
6. To develop the mental abilities of reasoning and correct observation.
7. To develop a scientific attitude in pupils.
Principles of Teaching Grammar: 1. To let the pupils absorb grammatical items in the initial stages.
2. Grammar should not begin on abstract lines and principles.
3. Grammar points should begin with language.
4. Try to teach grammar and usage simultaneously.
5. Attention should be paid to the meaning of the structure.
6. Grammar should not be taught as an intellectual exercise.
Types of Grammar: Formal Grammar / Grammar translation Method / Prescriptive Grammar.
II. Functional Grammar / Incidental Grammar.
Formal Grammar / Prescriptive Grammar / Grammar Translation Method 1. It consists of elaborate rules, definitions and the structure of the language.
2. It deals mainly with the physical form of words, word endings and word groups.
3. It classifies words into parts of speech and sentences.
4. Reading and writing are considered essential.
5. Spoken English is mostly ignored.
6. The prescriptive grammar focuses on correction.
7. Deviation from rules is not allowed.
8. Students learn the rules and their functions in communication is neglected.
Functional Grammar / Incidental Grammar 1. This grammar is learnt by students unconsciously while learning the language.
2. The focus is on appropriate utterances than on grammatical sentences.
3. The functional grammar does not focus much on the form.
4. Change in the rules of language is allowed.
5. It is the grammar in operation.
6. It deals with the ability to use the language grammatically.
How are the two types of grammar different?
1. Formal grammar is the ability to describe the language.
2. Functional grammar is the ability to use the language.
3. The Functional grammar is better because it helps the learners in the achievement of real aims of language learning.
4. Functional grammar is learnt while speaking their mother tongue.
5. Formal grammar is taught and used in schools.
6. People learn mother tongue without learning formal grammar.
7. A learner can learn a new language without formal grammar.