I visited several websites and read several articles. Then I found the same ideas on MyEC too. Some people said that we don't need to learn English grammar if we want to improve our speaking ability.
I read an English teacher said that we should forget about the grammar rule, 'burn' our English text books and start to speak.
While the others said that we still need to learn grammar if we want to develop our speaking.
So, what's your opinion, friends? Do we need to learn grammar to improve our speaking ability? And what's the reasons for your answer?
Replies
What languages are spoken as auxiliary in your country?
I mean I heard English was the second language in your country? Is that true?
@ Ranu,
Hi! Your welcome my friend. I think in order for us to speak English fluently, we need to remember the 3 principles of grammar. When we make a sentence, it should always be clear, consistent and balance. But for us non-native English speakers, we should strive to learn gradually and of course have a passion so that our learning would be meaningful and enjoyable. Have a pleasant day....
@ Robert, Karenina, Moein, Steven, Faris
Thank for all your comments, friends. After I read your comments, I concluded that we all need to learn grammar. And that grammar is important base to learn any language. But, we also need to practice our speaking and not to pay attention too much to it when we are trying to speak.
I hope my conclusion isn't wrong.
You asked a really interesting question, Ranu! =)
I think it's all about proportions between the rules and practice. I guess it should vary near 10%/90%. In the majority of quite good schools they teach in proportion 50%/50% and therefore students can write more or less but can't speak. If the proportion tends to give preference to the rules, they become useless at all, for then students can neither write nor speak. This is the situation of average schools, I think. Therefore that guy suggested to burn textbooks.
Thus, what we must blame is not textbooks but the proportion of both essential parts of learning (of course, if it's a wrong proportion). Practice is like muscles which are necessary but also become helpless without a sceleton of Her Majesty Grammar.
We need both. We all need much more practice...
Hi Ranu,
This is a great topic. As for your question, I think, grammar is like the base of English language. That is why it is composed of four parts. These are writing, reading, listening and the most important is speaking. I bet you're busy too, so take time to combine studying grammar even just a short topic everyday and practice reading out loud just like a teacher does while having a class discussion. Anele, and mayumi were right too, sometimes we don't have a lot of time to read the grammar because of our hectic schedule.
It is hard for us to acquire the accent and tone of native English speakers but it is impressive if you can speak grammatically correct because if you listen to your recordings I think you'll notice that sometimes it is awkward to hear if you can't understand the conversation because the words are not connected. Am I talking about my experience? He he...
So in a nutshell, practice makes perfect. Strive for learning and wisdom, and reward yourself for a job well done. Thank you for posting this topic. Good job!
@ Sushma, Sujeewa Peiris, Widya, Mr. Expector, Thompson
Thank for all your comments. After I read your comments, I concluded that we all agree that we need to learn grammar in order to improve our speaking.
I'll try anele's way to write a correct sentence by googling it. Hope it works for me too!
Great discussion!
I've spent so many time learning English grammar, and I think it's worth the effort. I agree that they may understand you even though you say something not grammatically correct. And, I know native speakers can speak naturally and grammatically without even considering any grammar. But I doubt if it will work for non-native learners. I also know that so many learners are hoping that they don't need to learn any grammar for improving their English speaking skills - but sorry I really doubt it!
You can say:
'Have you washed your hands?'
'Washed your hands?' or even:
'Your hands?'
But what about:
'Wash hands?'
'Hands wash?'
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