In this blog we’ll find out what we need to be aware of when it comes to the English language. There are four terms or categories we use when talking about language.
1. Grammar
This is the most commonly known term for describing language, yet for English Language Learners it is probably the least-well understood! Essentially words can be categorised into different grammatical groups such as verbs, nouns and adjectives. Grammar also determines the order of words in a sentence. For example, the sentence I always am late for work is incorrect because word order in English demands it should be I am always late for work. Grammar also means that we can change words; for example: easy, easier, easiest.
2. Vocabulary
Grammar is important but it is meaningless without words. Imagine a child saying “Milk now”. The grammar is clearly wrong and the request needs some more words but we know from these two words that the child wants some milk to drink. So, when people learn languages, they will invest a lot of time trying to learn new words.
3. Pronunciation
How we say words and sentences affects whether the listener understands. English is particularly difficult because it isn’t necessarily written as we say it. Take the spelling ough. It can be pronounced in different ways in all these words: through, though, tough, thought. It also includes areas such as intonation to make sentences expressive or stress to add emphasis. For example, notice how the meaning changes if the speaker emphasises the word in capital letters: Do you like milk AND sugar? Do YOU like milk and sugar?
4. Functions
This term is perhaps the least well-known but most of us are familiar with going on holiday somewhere and learning a few useful phrases like How much is it? Or I’d like that one please. Although these phrases have their own grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, they each perform a function. For example, phrases used for the function of ‘Asking for repetition’ would be: Can you repeat that? Can you say that again? Sorry, I don’t follow you.