GRAMMAR

Traditional  Grammar

Traditional Grammar aims to describe the grammar of standar English by comparing it with Latin. As such, it is prescriptive. Students learn the names of parts of speech (nouns, verbs, preposition, adverbs, adjectives). Parse textbook sentences and learn to correct so called bad grammar. Writers are taught, for example, not to start sentences with the verb (time files-not time fly-likr an arrow) to say 'i did it' and not to 'i done it'.

Traditional grammar focuses on rules for producing correct sentences. In so doing. It has two main weakness. Firstly, the rules it prescribes are based on the language of a very small group of middle-class English speakers. Thus it can be used to descriminate against the language of working class, immigrant And aboriginal students. (consider jeff fenech's heartfelt 'i love youse all'). Secondly, the rules deal only with the most superficial aspects of writting. Following the rules in no way guarantees that written communication will be effective, for the rules say nothing about purpose or intended audiences for writting.