Introduction to Grammar | Grammar | Khan Academy

Summary

David introduces Khan Academy's Grammar series, explaining that grammar consists of conventions and rules governing language. He emphasizes that grammar is context-dependent, changing based on the audience and purpose, and that we already know much of it through everyday communication. The videos aim to name these concepts and give learners more control over language, focusing on Standard American English. David stresses the value of all English dialects and encourages viewers to use the tools provided to express themselves freely. His goal is to ensure the 'wheels' of language are in place, not to dictate its color.

Takeaways

• 👋 Hi, everyone! My name is David, and welcome to Grammar on Khan Academy.
• 📚 Grammar is a set of conventions and rules that govern language.
• 🔍 A rule is the bare minimum needed to make language understandable, like wheels being on the bottom of a car.
• 🚗 A convention is more flexible, like the idea that all cars should be painted teal.
• 🌍 Grammar is context-dependent and changes based on who you're talking to and what you're trying to say.
• 🗣️ You already know a lot of grammar just from living, talking, and understanding others.
• 📝 These videos aim to give names to what you already know and help you command language better.
• 🇺🇸 The focus is on Standard American English, but there are many valid and wonderful Englishes.
• 🌈 All kinds of English are valuable, vibrant, and important; there's no right or wrong English.
• 🔧 The goal is to give you tools to harness English and use it however you want.
• 🚀 You are already a grammarian and have been studying grammar throughout your life.
• 💪 You can learn anything, and this course is here to help you along the way. Welcome!

Q & A

What is grammar according to the speaker?

Grammar is a set of conventions and rules that govern language, helping make communication understandable.

What is the difference between a rule and a convention in grammar?

A rule is a necessity for clear communication, like putting car wheels on the bottom. A convention is more flexible, like a suggestion for how things could be done but not mandatory, such as all cars being painted teal.

Why does the speaker say grammar is context-dependent?

Grammar changes depending on who you're talking to, what you're trying to say, and how you're saying it. Different situations call for different grammar.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'you already know so much grammar'?

By living, speaking, and understanding language, people have an intuitive grasp of grammar. The videos aim to give names to concepts they already understand.

What type of grammar do these videos focus on?

The videos focus on Standard American English, though the speaker acknowledges that many forms of English exist.

Why does the speaker emphasize that there are many Englishes?

The speaker wants to ensure viewers understand that all forms of English are valid, vibrant, and important, and there’s no single 'right' way to speak English.

What is the goal of these grammar videos?

The goal is to provide viewers with the tools to harness language and use it effectively, without dictating the 'right' or 'wrong' way to speak.

Why does the speaker compare language to a car?

The car analogy is used to explain that while the essential parts (rules) must work for communication, the style or color (conventions) is up to personal preference.

What is the speaker's attitude towards different dialects of English?

The speaker has a positive attitude towards different dialects, emphasizing that they are all wonderful, important, and special.

How does the speaker encourage viewers to approach learning grammar?

The speaker encourages viewers to see grammar as a tool to better express themselves and assures them that they are already grammarians by virtue of their life experience.