Journal Entry 5

WEEK 6
THE DANCE BETWEEN GRAMMAR AND MEANING

27 April 2025

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Today’s exploration of grammatical competence versus communicative competence has left me with much to think about. Initially, I viewed language mastery as synonymous with flawless grammar—this was years ago, before I began digging into the world of linguistics. However, time has illuminated how this narrow focus overlooks the essence of communication: conveying meaning effectively in real-world contexts.

What struck me most was the idea that one can construct grammatically perfect sentences yet fail to communicate. This duality fascinates me; it underscores that language is not just a set of rules but a living tool for connection.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I have lived this for three years, and living with Chinese students was a great way for me to observe all these details. Sometimes, I would have to “break” my English to make myself understood because I was their friend, not their teacher. Correcting them wouldn’t have been nice, and we still had communication going on despite the grammatical errors, so I never did.

As for language learning, I never studied Spanish, yet I am now fluent. I learned only by talking to natives. At the time, I already spoke French and was studying Italian. As a grammar lover, at first, I would always pay attention to how my friends used language, copying them while also comparing their grammar to the languages I knew. One mistake I made repeatedly was saying "rompido" instead of "roto", probably just like a kid would do; applying the rule on every conjugation after realising there is one.

Yet, I’m left questioning balance. While communicative competence is vital, can grammatical errors hinder credibility in formal settings? The comparison table I used in my last presentation highlighted the differing emphases of Chomsky and Hymes, but I now see their interdependence. In academic writing, for example, grammar ensures precision, while communicative skills adapt tone for the reader. This is a form of code-switching, one of the aspects of linguistics I’m most fascinated by, but I will use my next journal entry to talk more about this.

This reflection has reshaped my approach to language learning. I’ll strive to marry accuracy with adaptability, practicing grammar drills but also immersing myself in authentic interactions. After all, language’s true goal isn’t perfection but "making real connections with others".