[skorpion]

Bianca,

I'm not a teacher; however, I have been thinking about this matter for a good while now.

In my opinion, language learning should follow almost the same process taken for learning your mother tongue. What I mean by this is that even though grammar rules are ok, they don't make the language (in a manner of speaking). Grammar's based on the language, not the other way around.

For instance, in the question "Do you like your breakfast?" you know that a grammar rule will say something like "use the auxiliary verb 'do' at the beginning of a question blah blah blah." The grammar rule explains what usually happens in the language, see? Grammar is for identifying patterns in the language, which can ultimately be expressed as rules.

When a language evolves (all languages evolve) grammar rules have to be modified to reflect the new "patterns" used by most people. That's why reading old English is not the same as reading modern English.

Now, when teaching people the language, try not to use grammar books. That'll come handy when the person is able to speak the language fluently -- no matter whether mistakes are made or not.

Ask yourself this question: Do you have to teach a toddler grammar rules for her to learn to speak? No, not at all.

I think that the biggest problem teachers face is that most students usually ask "why?" Why is it said this way? Why do I have to conjugate the auxiliary verb and not the main verb in a question? Why? Why? Why?

When this happens, teachers usually answer the question by saying "because this grammar rule says..." In my opinion, that's wrong. Both the question and the answer.

Asking "why" is pointless to language learning. Languages don't have a reason for every grammar rule you come up with. They're the result of ways people have chosen to use to communicate. That's it.

Why is this sentence wrong?: "I must to go work." The answer is very very simple: because people say "I must go to work," not "I must to go work." Period.

People usually want answers to questions they have, but most questions are wrong. They focus on wondering why instead of focusing on the development of their listening and speaking skills, of finding patterns.

Well, I guess this is the beginning of a good thread. So this is it for now.

Best regards,
César.