Why is Grammar Important for Conversation and Other Language Skills? Is grammar necessary for speaking and other language skills? How crucial is grammar, really? There was a time when grammar was the foundation of learning a foreign language. Among various methods, the outdated Grammar-Translation Method (GTM) was widely used. This approach focused heavily on grammar, vocabulary, and reading. Although this method is no longer popular, it is still used in some educational centers around the world.

What is Grammar?

Grammar is considered a sub-skill, often referred to as the framework of a language. Just as a skeleton is not a complete representation of a body, grammar alone does not fully represent a language. This means that simply studying grammar will never enable you to speak or write fluently. Grammar, like vocabulary, offers only a partial view of a language. Both are essential, but they should be learned alongside the four core skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

The Importance of Grammar

If you want your language skills to have an academic edge, you must learn grammar. If you are learning a second language and are over 13 years old, you cannot skip grammar. Unlike your native language, you are not immersed in the environment or culture of the second language, so you need grammar to guide your learning.

Effective Methods for Learning Grammar

1. Learning from Books

This method is excellent for academic purposes. You can focus on specific areas where you need more practice and complete exercises related to those topics.

2. Learning from Educational Videos

Nowadays, learning through videos has become an integral part of our lives. However, grammar videos must meet the following criteria to be effective:

• Clear Topics: The video should clearly state what it covers at the beginning, so you know exactly what you’ll learn.
• Conciseness: Short videos are less tiring and more engaging. The instructor should be able to pack valuable content into these brief videos. Long, rambling videos fail to capture and retain the audience’s attention.
• Credibility: The source or instructor producing the video must be reliable and trustworthy.
• Comprehensive Content: The video should not be limited to a specific exam but should be useful for various grammar exams and conversation classes.
• Accessibility: A good video course should be available 24/7. Learners should be able to quickly find the topic they need whenever they encounter difficulties.