Slide 3 Language learning can be organized into a linear path The linear path can be represented in segmented expressions of grammar mastery © Less complex forms: Present simple, present progressive, indefinite articles, adjective-noun agreement. © More complex forms: Present perfect, Past Simple, gerunds and infinitives, compound nouns, etc. - Grammar and Syntax are bricks © Foundational bricks: On which others are built * However, learning a language is a non-linear process. Language learners go through multiple processes at the same time. © Grammatical correctness is one measure of language mastery - Show students the Table of contents of understanding and Using English Grammar (4*” ed): POF - Ungrammaticality: © Awareness VS Usage = Awareness is the consciousness of the grammar rule and how it works, which can be evinced by explanations of the mechanics of language = Usage is correct application of a grammar rule to a coherent syntactic or clause construction. No explanation seems to be required. © Ungrammaticality is a synonym of inaccurate communication However, language learning in itself is not a linear process: Slide 4 - Grammar can be learned through drills, rules memorization, and rules application. ~ Study with students the Slide 4 about grammar terminology. Have students reflect on whether being knowledgeable of grammar concepts (grammar usage) makes you an expert in grammar use. + Learning of grammar isa process that depends on several concepts. Basically, grammar depends on these aspects: the language, the meaning, the context, the discourse. ~ Grammar: cognitive capabilities of the user (or learner), However, context has a strong. influence in the ways we construct messages and sentences. ~ Context affects the lexical and grammatical choices. - Grammar books: The case of Understanding and Using English Grammar © Communicative event: Interviews © Communicative function: Introductions © Framing topics in an introduction at an interview © Grammar topic: Wh- questions © Drill: Verb tense review Slide 5 Questions remain on grammar What is grammar learning from a descriptive and universal perspective? Activity with students: - Navigate with students the Review on Verb Tenses (understanding English Grammar 4" edition) - Have students develop the guided drill without paper/pencil support, in pairs.~ _ Reflect with them on the grammar drill that focuses on structure and universal use: © How did you know how to form each question? © What were the “keywords” that helped you form each question? © Explain the difference of the structure of questions in: * Amedical interview * Ajob interview ‘* Based on students’ answer, reflect on the importance of context for understanding the grammatical differences of questions, and other types of sentences. Example of language learning and complex factors - Watch with students and have them describe and explain what they see: Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eat6aBfo2mA (Cute baby learning to speak) © Whatis the context? © Who are interacting in this context? © What is the woman’s purpose in the interaction with the baby? © What does the woman intend with the baby? © Would you say that the baby is learning a grammatical pattern? = Yes? Explain * No? Explain = Yes, but no? Explain © What seems to be the most important aspect for the woman? "The lexicon = The pronunciation + The grammar (or syntax) "The memorization "The exchange Conclusion (p. 102): Interplay of factors for language learning: Speech processing: the pronunciation factor; acquisitional processes: the exposure to a new notion of language: request and question-making; pedagogical intervention: the mother's work; the discoursal environment: a safe family environment with a natural Purpose for the baby’s gaining of independence from her own mother. The baby may gain the faculty of requesting a Yogurt in any environment and in the presence of an English speaking person ° Slide 7