How should we learn grammar?

What we need to formally learn?

There are many opinions within the language learning community by teachers and students regarding grammar.

Some people believe that a grammar-based approach is the key to learning a language efficiently. They claim that a study of grammar is necessary background for understanding the structure of the language. They insist that without understanding grammar, language would be a jumble of words difficult to decipher. Some go so far as to say that you must first have a good understanding of grammar, even before learning the language. I call this a purely analytical approach.

On the other hand, others believe the opposite: that grammar books are an unnecessary obstacle that slow down the learning process. The grammar rules, and it must be understood only the language and not vice versa. According to this view, the student must begin to 'attack' the language as soon as possible. Massive exposure and deduction are key factors here. I call this a purely inductive approach.

A definition of grammar

I found a very interesting definition of grammar. Grammar is "the structural basis of our ability to express ourselves. The more we realize how it works, the more we can monitor the meaning and effectiveness of the way we and others use the language. It can foster precision, detect ambiguity and exploit the richness of expression. This can help anyone, not just language teachers, but all teachers around '.

What surprised me was the phrase: "The more we realize how it works". I do not think we have to be aware of how it works. We just need to make it work. Once the language flows and is expressed accurately, we have learned grammar. Children five are not even aware of the word grammar and yet are able to string together complete sentences, correct in their mother tongue. They have unconsciously internalized.

Breaking the code

Our goal is to communicate. We're not trying to do well at grammar exercises and related issues. The grammar is internalized if the student works in a truly effective manner.

I see languages ​​as codes. Each language has a different code. Languages ​​are ways in which human beings "encode" sounds and words to convey a message. If we communicate efficiently, we have cracked the code.

To break a code, we need to understand its patterns. That is the key.

Once you have broken the code, the language unfolds and everything becomes easy and enjoyable.

How to break the code?

The main question is how to break the code? How to find a method to put this into practice?

Let me give you an example of analysis:

Consider the following sequence of numbers known as Fibonaccci numbers:

0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 ...

Instead of giving you the explanation I can give you a hint: ...

The sequence starts with numbers 0 and 1.2 and from these, "each term is the sum of the previous two" is the recurrence relation that defines it.

My Techniques

I am very objective and I am 100% sure that I can comfortably communicate in the target language.

In order to do that, I cut everything unnecessary to only focus on what is needed in the use of language. I simply choose texts which suit my interests and intuitively try to understand the grammar by observing the actual language of native speakers. I am calm and relaxed because I am aware of the fact that a single sentence contains all the grammar I need to know to express a particular thought and the Fibonacci sequence contains the key to its encoding in just a few numbers. Less is more in my method.

Written by Luca Lampariello

10 Tips for Language Learning Success

If you're a first-time language learner, you know that emotional ups and downs come with the territory. When you understand a concept or begin to comprehend the language, you may experience feelings of exhilaration. However, these are often followed by moments of frustration and discouragement, during which you might feel as if you will never master the concepts and attain the ability to understand and communicate effectively. Below are some time-tested, research-verified approaches that will help mitigate potential frustration and will increase your ability to succeed in language learning.

1. Set realistic expectations

2. Break study time into smaller chunks better 15 minutes twice a day rather 1 full hour

3. Learn vocabulary effectively listening listening listening

4. Practice language actively

5. Do homework conscientiously

6. Form study groups

7. Identify your learning style

8. Maximize your language exposure

9. Spend time on task

10. Communicate with your instructor

 10 TIPS ON WRITING A SUCCESSFUL CV

 Katy Cowan gives her top tips on creating a memorable and readable CV – anything missed? Add to the comments below.

When it comes to applying for a new job, your CV could be just the ticket to get you that initial foot in the door and secure an interview – but how do you ensure your CV is added to the interview pile rather than thrown straight in the bin?

Putting together a successful CV is easy once you know how. It's a case of taking all your skills and experience and tailoring them to the job you're applying for. But what if you don't meet the right criteria? Well, I've put together the following tips to help you get started in creating a successful CV and securing your first (or next) arts job.

Get the basics right

There is no right or wrong way to write a CV but there are some common sections you should cover. These include: personal and contact information; education and qualifications; work history and/or experience; relevant skills to the job in question; own interests, achievements or hobbies; and some references.

Presentation is key

A successful CV is always carefully and clearly presented, and printed on clean, crisp white paper. The layout should always be clean and well structured and CVs should never be crumpled or folded, so use an A4 envelope to post your applications.

Always remember the CV hotspot – the upper middle area of the first page is where the recruiter's eye will naturally fall, so make sure you include your most important information there.

Stick to no more than two pages of A4

A good CV is clear, concise and makes every point necessary without waffling. You don't need pages and pages of paper – you just keep things short and sweet. A CV is a reassurance to a potential employer, it's a chance to tick the right boxes. And if everything is satisfied, there's a better chance of a job interview. Also, employers receive dozens of CVs all the time so it's unlikely they'll read each one cover to cover. Most will make a judgment about a CV within sections, so stick to a maximum of two pages of A4 paper.

Understand the job description

The clues are in the job application, so read the details from start to finish. Take notes and create bullet points, highlighting everything you can satisfy and all the bits you can't. With the areas where you're lacking, fill in the blanks by adapting the skills you do have. For example, if the job in question requires someone with sales experience, there's nothing stopping you from using any retail work you've undertaken – even if it was something to help pay the bills through university. It will demonstrate the skills you do have and show how they're transferable.

Tailor the CV to the role

When you've established what the job entails and how you can match each requirement, create a CV specifically for that role. Remember, there is no such thing as a generic CV. Every CV you send to a potential employee should be tailored to that role so don't be lazy and hope that a general CV will work because it won't.

Create a unique CV for every job you apply for. You don't have to re-write the whole thing, just adapt the details so they're relevant.

Making the most of skills

Under the skills section of your CV don't forget to mention key skills that can help you to stand out from the crowd. These could include: communication skills; computer skills; team working; problem solving or even speaking a foreign language. Skills can come out of the most unlikely places, so really think about what you've done to grow your own skills, even if you take examples from being in a local sports team or joining a voluntary group – it's all relevant.

Making the most of interests

Under interests, highlight the things that show off skills you've gained and employers look for. Describe any examples of positions of responsibility, working in a team or anything that shows you can use your own initiative. For example, if you ran your university's newspaper or if you started a weekend league football team that became a success.

Include anything that shows how diverse, interested and skilled you are. Don't include passive interests like watching TV, solitary hobbies that can be perceived as you lacking in people skills. Make yourself sound really interesting.

Making the most of experience

Use assertive and positive language under the work history and experience sections, such as "developed", "organised" or "achieved". Try to relate the skills you have learned to the job role you're applying for. For example: "The work experience involved working in a team," or "This position involved planning, organisation and leadership as I was responsible for a team of people".

Really get to grips with the valuable skills and experience you have gained from past work positions, even if it was just working in a restaurant – every little helps.

Including references

References should be from someone who has employed you in the past and can vouch for your skills and experience. If you've never worked before you're OK to use a teacher or tutor as a referee. Try to include two if you can.

Keep your CV updated

It's crucial to review your CV on a regular basis and add any new skills or experience that's missing. For example, if you've just done some volunteering or worked on a new project, make sure they're on there – potential employers are always impressed with candidates who go the extra mile to boost their own skills and experience.

This content was originally published by Creative Boom

Katy Cowan runs the Creative Boom website voluntarily – she is a trained journalist, writer and PR professional. Follow her and Creative Boom on Twitter@Creative_Boom

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