Grammatical syllabus
A grammatical syllabus is a type of language syllabus that focuses on teaching the grammar
of a language. It breaks down the language into its component parts, such as nouns, verbs,
adjectives, and adverbs, and teaches these parts in a systematic way. Grammatical syllabuses
are often used in traditional language classrooms, where the teacher presents new grammar
points, provides examples, and then has students practice using the new grammar in
exercises.
grammatical syllabus, is the most common and traditional syllabus type. It has been in use by
language teachers for many years. It is a product oriented, content based syllabus in that the
focus is on knowledge and skills which learners should gain as a result of instruction, not on
how they can attain them. Synthetic approach to syllabus designing is essential to produce
such a syllabus. Most grammatical syllabus seems to be that language consists of a finite set
of rules and these rules can be learned one by one in an additive fashion.
Example of a Grammatical Syllabus:
1. Present Simple Tense:
Form (verb + s/es for third person singular)
Use (habits, routines, general truths)
Practice (gap-fill exercises, sentence transformations)
Present Continuous Tense:
Form (am/is/are + verb + -ing)
Use (actions happening now, temporary situations)
Practice (dialogues, writing short paragraphs)
Advantages of grammatical syllabus
1. Clear Structure and Organization
The syllabus provides a clear progression of topics, making it easy for teachers and learners
to follow.
2. Focus on Accuracy:
A grammatical syllabus emphasizes the correct use of structures, which is crucial for clear
and effective communication. It helps learners avoid common grammatical errors.
3. Supports Traditional Teaching Methods:
Many teachers are familiar with this approach, making it easier to design lesson plans and
activities.
4. Measurable Progress:
Learning outcomes are tangible, as students can demonstrate mastery of specific grammar
rules.
5. Foundation for Other Skills:
Understanding grammar is essential for developing other language skills,such as speaking,
writing, reading and listening
Disadvantages of grammatical syllabus :
1.Focus on form over function:
Grammatical syllabus prioritize the teaching of grammatical structures, often neglecting the
functional aspects of language use. This can lead to learners being able to produce
grammatically correct sentences but struggling with real-life communication.
1. Isolation of language elements:
Grammatical syllabi often present language elements in isolation, without considering their
context or how they relate to other elements of the language. This can make it difficult for
learners to understand how to use these elements in meaningful communication.
3.Unnatural language learning:
Grammatical syllabi often present language in a way that is not how it is naturally acquired.
For example, they may focus on teaching one grammatical structure at a time, even though
learners naturally acquire language in chunks and through exposure to meaningful
communication.
4.Lack of motivation:
Grammatical syllabi can be seen as boring and unengaging by learners, particularly if they
are not immediately relevant to their needs or interests. This can lead to a lack of motivation
and a decrease in learning effectiveness.
Lingua Franca
A lingua franca is a language used as a common means of communication between people
who do not share a native language. It acts as a bridge language, enabling individuals with
different linguistic backgrounds to interact and understand each other. Lingua francas are
typically adopted for practical purposes, such as trade, diplomacy, education, or cultural
exchange.
Key Features of a Lingua Franca:
1.Widespread Use: Spoken by people across different regions or countries.
2.Neutrality: Not necessarily tied to one specific ethnic group or culture.
3.Adaptability: Often simplified or incorporates elements of other languages to ensure easier
learning.
Examples of Lingua Francas
1.English: Arguably the most prominent lingua franca today, used in business, science,
technology, and diplomacy worldwide.
2.French: Historically a significant lingua franca in diplomacy and international relations.
3.Swahili: A widely spoken lingua franca in East Africa, used for trade and communication
between different ethnic groups.
4.Esperanto: An artificially constructed language designed to be easy to learn and used as a
global second language.
Importance of Lingua Franca :
1.Facilitate Communication:
They break down language barriers and enable people from different backgrounds to interact
and exchange ideas.
2. Promote Trade and Business:
They foster economic exchange and cooperation between countries and regions.
3.Advance Science and Technology:
They allow for the sharing of knowledge and research across different cultures.
4.Cultural Exchange:
They contribute to the spread of culture, arts, and literature.
