The function of grammar and expression

[Catherine Egan]

I recently attended a seminar in Australia where the speaker conveyed, through over-acted theatrics, the notion that grammar is a "means to an end" and "not a thing in itself." He qualified his 'indepth' assertion through a neurological diagnosis: "brain numbingly boring." However, reluctantly, he admitted that this "incredibly boring" set of rules is undergoing a rebirth in primary and secondary school teaching. However, as a consequence of its absence from the curriculum for over thirty years in Australia, the current generation of teachers lack the skills to teach the fundamentals of this essential language tool. Thankfully, this renaissance is happening. With English becoming the global business language, it is essential that rules are taught to avoid misunderstandings through lack of clarity.

[kristie williamson]

You make a valid point about the consequences of grammar not being actively taught, i really couldn't say how much time i've spent in the last 3 - 4 years learning grammar so i could teach it. Another consequence is that many teachers come to Asia to teach without any knowledge of grammar so just leave it out of their courses - or leave it to the local teacher, apparently as it would be clearer!