Publication: Grammar and Its Teaching: Challenging the Myths

• Larsen-Freeman, Diane

Grammar is often misunderstood in the language teaching
field. The misconception lies in the view that grammar is a
collection of arbitrary rules about static structures in the
language. Further questionable claims are that the
structures do not have to be taught, learners will acquire
them on their own, or if the structures are taught, the
lessons that ensue will be boring. Consequently,
communicative and proficiency-based teaching approaches
sometimes unduly limit grammar instruction. Of the many
claims about grammar that deserve to be called myths, this
digest will challenge ten.