Recently, I have been locked into discussion with various online language learners in regard to approaches a learner can take to improve their target language. Some hold the likes of Stephen Krashen in high regard, while others follow more traditional approaches.
But the question is, is such a discussion purely subjective? Shouldn’t the real discussion be a matter of sharing our preferences when it comes to learning.
On the topic of studying grammar, I have made myself quite clear. I don’t study grammar, not in the traditional sense anyway. In my view the traditional sense entails reading a course book or attempting to memorise rules from tables.
However, that is not to say that others who favour this approach are wrong. I have worked with many students who despite my beliefs, continue to work their way through a course book. This is their preferred way of learning and who am I to tell them otherwise.
The point I want you to take away from this post is that the decision to learn a language is and always has been personal in nature. While linguists are often fascinated by the science of a language, others learn as a hobby or for their careers. There is no true right or wrong method and the learner should always take an approach based on their own interests.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this topic below 👇
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