Grammar

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Questions and Answers

Language serves no purpose beyond mere communication.

False

Who stated that studying human language approaches the 'human essence'?

Noam Chomsky

Language consists of structured arrangements of _____ into larger units.

sounds

Match the following terms related to language with their definitions:

Morpheme = The smallest unit of meaning in a language Syntax = The arrangement of words to create meaningful sentences Phonology = The study of sounds in language Semantics = The meaning of words and phrases in context Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key feature of human language according to Pinker?

It can create precise combinations of ideas in others' minds. Signup and view all the answers

Animal communication systems, like that of dolphins, are considered a form of language.

True Signup and view all the answers

The words, their pronunciation, and _____ of combining them are aspects of language understood by a community.

methods Signup and view all the answers

Which method was widely used in language teaching for over eighty years?

Grammar Translation method Signup and view all the answers

Chomsky believed language was primarily based on surface structure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What did Chomsky assert about language in the early sixties?

Language is undeniably rule-based and generative. Signup and view all the answers

The Grammar Translation method was seen as an intellectual exercise equal to the learning of ______.

Latin and Greek Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Grammar Translation method = Focus on grammar rules and translation Chomsky's theory = Language is generative and rule-based Functional view of language = Language teaching based on useful functions Audio-Lingualism = Emphasis on listening and speaking over grammar Signup and view all the answers

What did proponents of the functional view of language argue?

Language teaching should be organized around useful functions. Signup and view all the answers

The functional view implied that grammar was irrelevant to language teaching.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is 'rule-based creativity' in language teaching?

The generation of a large number of possible sentences from one rule. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the four categories referred to as 'Systems' in the Delta syllabus?

Lexis Signup and view all the answers

Lexis refers to the system of sounds in a language.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one teaching approach that supports the 'anti-grammar' perspective.

Direct Method Signup and view all the answers

In language studies, the term ______ refers to the structure and formation of sentences.

grammar Signup and view all the answers

Match the language aspects to their definitions:

Lexis = Vocabulary of a language Grammar = Rules for structure and formation of sentences Discourse = How language is used in different contexts Phonology = System of sounds in a language Signup and view all the answers

Which language aspect is focused on when discussing the phrase, 'How would you like to pay?'?

Lexis Signup and view all the answers

Discourse markers are used to manage conversations.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential focus a teacher may have when working with learners to improve language competence?

Reformulating what students have said Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Sounds good' can be considered a ______ in spoken English.

fixed expression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the 'pro-grammar' perspective?

Explicit rules are helpful for learners. Signup and view all the answers

Grammar is not a focus in any Delta lessons.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a common challenge when categorizing language items into the four systems?

It is not always easy to classify them into one category. Signup and view all the answers

An 8-year-old boy was arrested last night for ______ on railway property.

trespassing Signup and view all the answers

What must a teacher consider when choosing a focus for a lesson?

They should justify their main focus and have an awareness of how systems and skills work together. Signup and view all the answers

What are extra language items called that help learners operate communicatively?

Exponents Signup and view all the answers

The acquisition of a second language is best achieved under circumstances very similar to those of first language acquisition.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was a central issue among supporters of the ‘acquisition’ theory regarding explicit grammar rules?

Language rules are infinitely numerous, subtle, and multi-dimensional. Signup and view all the answers

______ acquisition happens with natural exposure to the language.

Natural Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Exponents = Specific language patterns for communication Explicit focus = Direct instruction on grammar rules Natural acquisition = Learning through natural exposure Audio-Lingual method = Teaching through repetition and drills Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that the processes of first and second language acquisition are identical?

Acquisition theory Signup and view all the answers

The rules of grammar are considered irrelevant in the context of language teaching according to the acquisition theory.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Norrington-Davies argue about the rules used in language classes?

They describe language use rather than how language is used. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe a lesson that excessively focuses on grammar without practical use?

Obsessive Grammar Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Real talk should be a minor component of a successful grammar lesson.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue with some grammar lessons as identified in the content?

Long analysis of language areas with little actual language use. Signup and view all the answers

Lessons that include 'real language use' are considered _____ in their effectiveness.

useful Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Task-based Language Teaching?

Students completing communication tasks Signup and view all the answers

The Lexical Approach suggests that grammar is more important than lexis in language learning.

False Signup and view all the answers

What term did Diane Larsen-Freeman introduce to describe grammar as a process?

grammaring Signup and view all the answers

The __________ grammar describes how language is actually spoken and written without prescribing rules.

descriptive Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of grammar with their definitions:

Prescriptive grammar = States rules for correct usage Descriptive grammar = Describes actual language use Pedagogic grammar = Intended for language teaching purposes Functional grammar = Focuses on language use in context Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Lexical Approach?

Detailed grammatical rules Signup and view all the answers

Comprehensible input needs to be tuned to the learner's level for effective language acquisition.

True Signup and view all the answers

What approach emphasizes communication tasks for language learning, as suggested by Prabhu?

Task-based Learning Signup and view all the answers

The phrase '__________ a campaign' is an example of a pre-formulated collocation.

launch Signup and view all the answers

Match the following verbs with their predictable patterns:

Want = followed by a full infinitive Prevent = followed by preposition + noun + noun/–ing form Need = can replace want Stop = can replace prevent Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern when analyzing language according to the context of use?

The decisions a writer or speaker made Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'grammaticisation' refers to the mastery of grammatical rules.

False Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to language as it functions in actual communication, often reflecting social context?

Functional grammar Signup and view all the answers

Research in the 1980s and 1990s placed greater emphasis on the role of __________ within language learning.

lexis Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'notorious practical jokers' imply about the cousins?

They are well-known for playing jokes. Signup and view all the answers

The character expected an apology from his cousins after the accident.

True Signup and view all the answers

What injury did the character sustain after crashing into the gate?

a broken leg Signup and view all the answers

The character felt a lot of _____ after lying on the sand watching his cousins.

pain Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases with their meanings:

I’ve been waiting three years for this moment = A long anticipation You’ll be living in Canada this time next year = Future prediction I’ve left mine at home = Current situation I’m getting used to it = Adaptation process Signup and view all the answers

How did Pádraig's actions after the accident demonstrate a lack of concern?

He suggested carrying the injured person. Signup and view all the answers

The character interpreted Pádraig's words as an indication that they would immediately go back to the village.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should the teacher be cautious about when asking check questions?

Using complex language or target language in questions. Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'used to' indicates that something was _____ in the past.

regularly done Signup and view all the answers

What technique can help learners visualize the meaning of verb forms?

Timelines Signup and view all the answers

The character mentioned feeling strange about the pain at first.

True Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'It’s been snowing' indicates the weather has been _____.

snowing for some time Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their timelines:

I've been waiting = From the past to now You'll be living = From now to the future I've left = A completed action in the past I'll have started = Future action before another future action Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Views of Language

Language is a system of structured sounds (or written representations) forming units like morphemes, words, sentences, and utterances. It also includes non-human communication systems.
Language arises from human experience, needs, and emotions across generations. It's grounded in human activity, not abstract learning.
Language is the ability to make meaningful sounds using vocal chords. It's a system of conventions using sounds, signs, and gestures for conveying ideas and feelings within a community.
Humans shape each other's minds through sound, creating new ideas.
By the early 1980s, it was clear that grammar rules were crucial for many learners, alongside specific language items—exponents—for communicative functions in common situations (e.g., polite requests).

Language as a System vs. Code

Some views of language see it as components (system), while others focus on its communicative function (code).
Studying human language is foundational to understanding human essence and unique mental capacities.

Language in the Delta Programme

Language is fundamental to the Delta syllabus.
Language awareness is crucial in every lesson, including adapting language to student levels, answering questions, and refining student communication.
The Delta syllabus uses four language categories: lexis, grammar, discourse, and phonology.

Categorizing Language Items (Task)

Categorizing language elements (lexis, grammar, discourse, phonology) isn't always straightforward.
Classifying specific examples demonstrates the complexities in categorizing language elements.

A Historical Overview: Grammar in Language Learning

Anti-grammar approaches (e.g., Direct Method, Audio-lingualism) believe explicit grammar rules hinder natural learning. These methods use the target language as the medium of instruction and teach grammar implicitly.
Pro-grammar approaches (e.g., Grammar-Translation method) believe explicit teaching aids language learning. This method, prevalent in secondary schools, focuses on rules and their application – often as a translation exercise.
Chomsky's Influence: Chomsky saw language as rule-based and generative. This view differs from traditional language teaching rules.
Functions: The functional view of language emphasizes its use and purpose, shifting the focus from grammatical complexity to practical functions.
Language rules are infinitely numerous, subtle, multi-dimensional, and often indescribable, making explicit enumeration or description counterproductive. Language rules should focus on why language is used, based on the context.

Terminology

Using the correct terminology is crucial for Delta modules.
Consult reference books like the Longman Dictionary of Applied Linguistics and An A-Z of ELT to enhance understanding.

Language Acquisition Theories

Research in the late 1970s and 1980s emphasized the psychological and mental processes of second language acquisition.
Natural acquisition thrives on natural language exposure, similar to first language acquisition, as seen in the Direct Method. The concept was debated due to the differences between child and adult language acquisition contexts.

Explicit Rules

-Explicit focus on grammar rules is often desired by learners, but not always supported by acquisition theory, which argues that real-world language rules are complex, unconscious, and indescribable to the extent that focusing on them is unproductive.

The Lexical Approach

Lexis (vocabulary) plays a significant role in language, often stored in the brain as collocations, fixed or semi-fixed phrases.
Functional exponents are also considered part of this lexical approach.

Grammaring

Recent views see grammar as a process rather than a product, emerging gradually through noticing and uncovering.

The Grammar of Patterns

Grammar and lexis are interconnected, not separate.
Verbs and nouns have predictable patterns that aid understanding of language, including verb patterns and noun phrases.

Researching Language

Prescriptive grammar sets rules for "best" or "correct" usage.
Descriptive grammar describes actual language use.
Pedagogic grammar provides simplified rules for teaching. Grammar notes in coursebooks are typically pedagogic.

Analysing, Clarifying and Checking Meaning

Concept questions can help clarify meaning in language items and grammatical structures.
Check meaning accurately for given levels (like upper intermediate/advanced). Avoid using more complex language in your examples.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore various views on language, including its structure, communication, and human experience. This quiz delves into how language functions as both a system and code, highlighting its importance in the Delta Programme. Test your understanding of these concepts and their implications in language learning.

Grammar

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

Language serves no purpose beyond mere communication.

Who stated that studying human language approaches the 'human essence'?

Language consists of structured arrangements of _____ into larger units.

Match the following terms related to language with their definitions:

Which of the following best describes a key feature of human language according to Pinker?

Animal communication systems, like that of dolphins, are considered a form of language.

The words, their pronunciation, and _____ of combining them are aspects of language understood by a community.

Which method was widely used in language teaching for over eighty years?

Chomsky believed language was primarily based on surface structure.

What did Chomsky assert about language in the early sixties?

The Grammar Translation method was seen as an intellectual exercise equal to the learning of ______.

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

What did proponents of the functional view of language argue?

The functional view implied that grammar was irrelevant to language teaching.

What is 'rule-based creativity' in language teaching?

Which of the following is included in the four categories referred to as 'Systems' in the Delta syllabus?

Lexis refers to the system of sounds in a language.

Name one teaching approach that supports the 'anti-grammar' perspective.

In language studies, the term ______ refers to the structure and formation of sentences.

Match the language aspects to their definitions:

Which language aspect is focused on when discussing the phrase, 'How would you like to pay?'?

Discourse markers are used to manage conversations.

What is one potential focus a teacher may have when working with learners to improve language competence?

The phrase 'Sounds good' can be considered a ______ in spoken English.

Which of the following statements best describes the 'pro-grammar' perspective?

Grammar is not a focus in any Delta lessons.

What is a common challenge when categorizing language items into the four systems?

An 8-year-old boy was arrested last night for ______ on railway property.

What must a teacher consider when choosing a focus for a lesson?

What are extra language items called that help learners operate communicatively?

The acquisition of a second language is best achieved under circumstances very similar to those of first language acquisition.

What was a central issue among supporters of the ‘acquisition’ theory regarding explicit grammar rules?

______ acquisition happens with natural exposure to the language.

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Which theory suggests that the processes of first and second language acquisition are identical?

The rules of grammar are considered irrelevant in the context of language teaching according to the acquisition theory.

What does Norrington-Davies argue about the rules used in language classes?

What term is used to describe a lesson that excessively focuses on grammar without practical use?

Real talk should be a minor component of a successful grammar lesson.

What is a significant issue with some grammar lessons as identified in the content?

Lessons that include 'real language use' are considered _____ in their effectiveness.

What is the primary focus of Task-based Language Teaching?

The Lexical Approach suggests that grammar is more important than lexis in language learning.

What term did Diane Larsen-Freeman introduce to describe grammar as a process?

The __________ grammar describes how language is actually spoken and written without prescribing rules.

Match the following types of grammar with their definitions:

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the Lexical Approach?

Comprehensible input needs to be tuned to the learner's level for effective language acquisition.

What approach emphasizes communication tasks for language learning, as suggested by Prabhu?

The phrase '__________ a campaign' is an example of a pre-formulated collocation.

Match the following verbs with their predictable patterns:

What is the main concern when analyzing language according to the context of use?

The concept of 'grammaticisation' refers to the mastery of grammatical rules.

What term refers to language as it functions in actual communication, often reflecting social context?

Research in the 1980s and 1990s placed greater emphasis on the role of __________ within language learning.

What does the term 'notorious practical jokers' imply about the cousins?

The character expected an apology from his cousins after the accident.

What injury did the character sustain after crashing into the gate?

The character felt a lot of _____ after lying on the sand watching his cousins.

Match the following phrases with their meanings:

How did Pádraig's actions after the accident demonstrate a lack of concern?

The character interpreted Pádraig's words as an indication that they would immediately go back to the village.

What should the teacher be cautious about when asking check questions?

The phrase 'used to' indicates that something was _____ in the past.

What technique can help learners visualize the meaning of verb forms?

The character mentioned feeling strange about the pain at first.

The phrase 'It’s been snowing' indicates the weather has been _____.

Match the following actions with their timelines:

Study Notes

Views of Language

Language as a System vs. Code

Language in the Delta Programme

Categorizing Language Items (Task)

A Historical Overview: Grammar in Language Learning

Terminology

Language Acquisition Theories