The Importance of Grammar
2. What is Grammar?
Grammar is the set of rules governing the use of a particular language. It includes the following:
– Syntax: the arrangement of words and phrases to create meaningful sentences;
– Morphology: the study of word formation, including inflection and derivation;
– Semantics: the study of meaning, including word meanings and sentence meanings;
– Pragmatics: the study of how context affects meaning.
2. 1 Prescriptive Grammar
The term “prescriptive grammar” can refer to two different things:
– A type of grammar that lays down the rules for correct usage, usually based on social norms;
– The approach to grammar that advocates this type of grammar.
The first use of the term is more common, and it is often used to contrast prescriptive grammar with descriptive grammar (see below). The second use is less common, but it is sometimes used to contrast prescriptive grammar with another approach to grammar known as generative grammar. Generative grammar is a type of theoretical grammar that focuses on the formal properties of sentences rather than on their meaning or use.
Most prescriptive grammars are based on the idea that there is a correct way to use language, and that deviations from this correct way are incorrect. This correct way is usually based on the usage of a particular social group, such as the upper class or the educated class. Because of this, prescriptive grammars often reflect the biases and values of those who created them. For example, many early prescriptive grammars were created by men and reflected male biases and values.
One famous example of a prescriptive grammar is The Elements of Style, written by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. This book prescribed rules for “correct” usage in English, such as using active voice and avoiding split infinitives. While some of these rules are still followed today, others have been abandoned as language has changed over time.
2. 2 Descriptive Grammar
The term “descriptive grammar” can refer to two different things:
– A type of grammar that describes how language is actually used, without prescribing any “correct” usage;
– The approach to grammar that advocates this type of grammar.
The first use of the term is more common, and it is often used to contrast descriptive grammar with prescriptive grammar (see above). The second use is less common, but it is sometimes used to contrast descriptive grammar with another approach to grammar known as generative grammar (see above).
Descriptive grammars are based on the idea that there is no one correct way to use language, and that all usage is equally valid. This means that they do not prescribe any rules for “correct” usage; instead, they simply describe how language is actually used by speakers and writers. Because they do not prescribe any rules, they cannot be said to reflect any particular biases or values.
One famous example of a descriptive grammar is A Dictionary of Modern English Usage, written by H.W. Fowler. This book described how words and phrases were actually used in English, without prescribing any “correct” usage. While many prescriptive grammars are still in use today, descriptive grammars are more common, as they are seen as more objective and unbiased.
3. The Importance of Grammar
Grammar is important for several reasons:
– It is the basis for communication. Without a shared grammar, speakers of different languages would not be able to communicate with each other.
– It is the basis for writing. Writing is a way of communicating that is different from speaking, and it has its own set of rules. These rules are often different from the rules of spoken grammar, which means that writers need to be aware of both sets of rules.
– It is the basis for social interaction. Language is not just a tool for communication; it is also a tool for social interaction. The way we use language reflects our social relationships, and so grammar is important for understanding and participating in social interaction.
– It is the basis for education. In order to participate in education, students need to be able to understand and produce written language. This means that they need to know the grammar of written language, which is often different from the grammar of spoken language.
4. The Academie Francaise and the French Language
The Académie Française is a well-known organization that promotes the French language. It was founded in 1635 by Cardinal Richelieu, and it currently has 40 members. The Académie Française’s primary goal is to promote the French language, both within France and internationally. To this end, it publishes a dictionary of French (the Dictionnaire de l’Académie Française), which is widely considered to be the authoritative reference on the French language.
The Académie Française also has a prescriptive role in relation to the French language. Its members regularly issue rulings on how words should be used, and these rulings are often followed by speakers and writers of French. For example, in 2012 the Académie Française issued a ruling that the word “email” should not be used in French, as there was already a word for “electronic mail” (courriel). This ruling was widely publicized, and many speakers and writers began to avoid using the word “email” in French.
While the Académie Française does have some influence over the French language, it is not as powerful as it once was. In recent years, many speakers and writers have started to ignore its rulings, particularly if they are seen as outdated or unreasonable. This has led some people to question whether the Académie Française is still relevant in today’s world.
5. Conclusion
Grammar is important for several reasons: it is the basis for communication, writing, social interaction, and education; it can be either prescriptive or descriptive; and it reflects the biases and values of those who create it. The Académie Française is an organization that promotes the French language and has some influence over its usage. However, its power has diminished in recent years, as many speakers and writers have started to ignore its rulings.