Написал такое письмо другу в Англию:
Recently I spoke to a person who is Spanish by origin but lives in the UK for many years. She said that several times she tried to clarify some nuances of English grammar with native British speakers but several of them said that they had not studied grammar in school but only followed the examples from English literature.
I wonder if this is really the case?
What do you think? Have you studied English grammar while in school? Do your kids study it now?
Жду ответа...
In the US, everyone studies grammar in school. Whether they internalize and assimilate this grammar is another story altogether, but it is a required class. I've heard LOTS of British people in my lifetime, both in person and in movies and shows, and I can assure you that the majority of English speakers do NOT base their grammar on English literature. If that were the case, they would all be speaking Elizabethan English, which I assure you they don't 😉
Oleg, by the way, "I RECENTLY spoke to a person who is Spanish by origin, but HAS BEEN LIVING in the UK for many years."
many thanks Uly!
My pleasure)))
and here comes the feedback from my British friend:
Your friend is right. For many years (including when I was in education) grammar was not taught in schools.I learned grammar when learning French and then "translated" it back to English. My children do learn grammar now though - and I struggle with helping them in the homework.
My personal view is that a little bit of grammar is useful but too much stifles creativity. language is about communicating after all. And languages are constantly changing.
Here's an expert view on teaching of grammar (http://michaelrosenblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/a-few-notes-on-what-teaching-grammar-to.html?m=1)