How to Hammer the Grammar

Until now we've mostly looked at tips for getting elementary students up to speed with language study, and that has meant leaving OUT the grammar to a large degree. But today I'd like to make one quick post that runs in the opposite direction.

As I have mentioned more than once, there is a time for grammar. And when that time comes, there is a right way and a wrong way to study grammatical rules. If you've taken the plunge into the uncharted, murky waters of the grammatical world, consider this tip.

Only focus on ONE grammatical rule at a time, and DON'T add another until you've really understood how to use it. And when you are learning that particular rule, create a list of phrases (just like we talked about in previous posts) that contain clear examples of how to use that rule. Get the rule into your head and then into your speech. When you find yourself using it well, add another grammar rule to the mix and repeat the process.

In my next post, I plan to give you an example of word associations and teach you a GREAT way to make them as clear and memorable as possible, so stay tuned!

It's been a busy season here with the holidays so this post came a little slowly at TLS. But I'm sure you understand and hope your winter has been a healthy and enjoyable one so far!

Until next time, happy language learning!

Completing the Process: Part Two of "Building Effective Vocabulary "

In my last post “Building an Effective Vocabulary,” I suggested that you learn nouns and verbs. Specifically, those that you can use immediately. And I gave you a few key reasons why. My question for you today is, have you tried it? If you have, how’s your word list coming along? If you haven’t, why not?

Now for today’s post, “Completing the Process.”

There is no substitute for vocabulary when learning a language. No matter how correctly you may speak with good grammar, you will NOT be able to speak much at all if your term list is truncated. This is yet another reason why I make no apologies for telling my students to focus on building an effective vocabulary FIRST with their own custom word list, before giving attention to grammar. But as I said in my last post, this doesn’t mean that grammar is completely removed in this approach.

How?

Because the nouns and verbs you choose for your vocabulary are destined to be assembled into complete phrases by YOU, very soon. And this includes some grammar by default, without weighing you down under the heavy burden of understanding how it all works. The benefits for doing this are too many to list here, and now is not the time for me to explain them. I will leave that for my next installment, “Putting Your Vocabulary into Action." For this post, I want to give you the final steps in how to build effective vocabulary. So here we go...

As you choose words for your own customized vocabulary list, group them together into categories and associations. For example, if one of the words you have chosen for your list (only words you expect to use immediately or very soon) is the verb “to buy,” think of nouns that you WOULD “buy” and categorize them with the verb on your list.

As another example, if you have chosen “office” as a word for your custom index, you would then generate several more words associated with “office,” such as computer, paper, printer, pen, telephone, desk, chair etc. Associations and categories like this are extremely helpful.

First, because they show the relationships between actions and objects.

Second, because they make it easier to memorize words systematically in a way that our brains do naturally.

Third, because their relationships allow you to exchange them with other associated words in the phrases you will create from them later on.

The largest benefit to a customized approach like this is that you select only words that will be truly useful to you. This means that you can put them into practice immediately or very soon, so they will not be soon forgotten. Use it or lose it, as the saying goes.

But also, and more importantly, these word lists are tailored to your context. That means you will be PREPARED to speak and understand in real life situations that you expect to find yourself in. All of this will require your imagination, which is an important part of learning by the way.

So that’s it. You now have what it takes to build effective vocabulary quickly, logically, and, systematically. And if you’ve been carefully creative in your selection of words, it’s vocabulary that you will actually use. You can’t beat that! What’s more, seeing the word categories with associations makes learning and using them much more effective. It's a truly powerful start to learning a language quickly and practically. This vocabulary method can be adapted by those learning Asian languages as well, even though the linguistic structures are unique.

In my next post, “Putting Your Vocabulary into Action," I’ll explain what to do with your categorized and associated words list.

Building an Effective Vocabulary

Before I tell you how to build a truly effective vocabulary, I want you to know that I've added an "About" page to explain a little more about myself and The Language Station. Check it out when you get a chance. I'll also be adding other pages soon, including a resource page. Now for today's post, "Building an Effective Vocabulary."

In my last post, When Grammar is a Problem in Language Learning, I gave you advice that usually makes language instructors tilt their head in disbelief when they hear it. To many, asking students to focus on vocabulary in the beginning and to leave the grammar for later, seems counterproductive. Actually, it’s not. 

Why not?

Because the vocabulary I recommend for a student to focus on automatically forces some grammar in, but without explanation of any rules. This method has been tested on the ground in real life and it gets students FUNCTIONING in day-to-day situations, very quickly. That’s only IF a student actually puts it into practice.  Tips like these will continue to make more and more sense as I post future additions. These first three tips are only part of a series. They work best when put together.

Unconventional Tip Number Three: The vocabulary to learn in the early stages should ONLY include nouns and verbs that can be used IMMEDIATELY. The choice of which ones will vary based on the student’s surroundings or needs. For a simple example, a woman studying English for business should only learn the words that she will hear or need to speak today and tomorrow in her work. Don’t limit yourself to the suggested vocabulary of a course book unless it really fits your immediate needs. Otherwise, you probably wont be able to use everything it suggests, and you will definitely need more than it gives. Create your OWN vocabulary list. Don't add to your list more than about five or ten words in a day. In one week, that makes 35-70 words! Not bad for a start, eh?

In my next post, I’ll give you three more steps to complete this process so you can start speaking complete phrases, c-o-r-r-e-c-t-l-y and without consciously learning the grammar. This will be perhaps one of the BIGGEST and most helpful tips I can give you. I’ll also have a word or two for those who are learning an Asian language like chinese etc.

Until then, Happy Language Learning!

Mark

When Grammar is a Problem in Language Learning

When adults begin to study a foreign language, most courses and conventional text books present grammatical concepts immediately. But I am convinced the worst mistake language learners can make is to focus on the grammar upfront.

Why?

I have many reasons for saying this, but for now here are three:

1. It's an unnatural way to process a language

2. You need to understand your own language's grammar first (and most people don't) before you can grasp another

3. It shifts the focus from communicating, to calculating, and therefore slows you down to the point of frustration and discouragement. And if you're a perfectionist like me, attention to correct grammar too early may just completely paralyze you for fear of not "saying it correctly."

Think about how children learn languages. Do adults explain to them proper grammar or sentence structure? Do kids pause to ask themselves if this phrase or that phrase requires the present perfect or the past simple?

Of course not!

Toddlers learn by making all those mistakes that we big people think are so cute. But one thing is certain: They are determined to make themselves understood, and typically with just a word or two. Kids are NOT afraid to use what they know BEFORE they understand grammar.

Obviously, grammar DOES have a place in my own language studies, and when I teach others. But it's not at the very beginning. By making mistakes and simply using what they know, young ones stay encouraged to keep on talking, and eventually learn to speak correctly anyway.


This is one of the secrets to learning a language fast. Don't let grammar slow you down, get some vocabulary and start using it immediately.

Unconventional Tip Number Two: Focus on vocabulary in the beginning, and leave the grammar for later. I'll explain how best to do this and what to do with your new vocabulary, in my next post.

Happy Language Learning!

Mark