Introduction to Grammar | Grammar | Khan Academy
Summary
TLDRDavid 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
- đ Hi, everyone! My name is David, and welcome to Grammar on Khan Academy.
- đ Grammar is a set of conventions and rules that govern language.
- đ A rule is the bare minimum needed to make language understandable, like wheels being on the bottom of a car.
- đ A convention is more flexible, like the idea that all cars should be painted teal.
- đ Grammar is context-dependent and changes based on who you're talking to and what you're trying to say.
- đŁïž You already know a lot of grammar just from living, talking, and understanding others.
- đ These videos aim to give names to what you already know and help you command language better.
- đșđž The focus is on Standard American English, but there are many valid and wonderful Englishes.
- đ All kinds of English are valuable, vibrant, and important; there's no right or wrong English.
- đ§ The goal is to give you tools to harness English and use it however you want.
- đ You are already a grammarian and have been studying grammar throughout your life.
- đȘ 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 thereâs 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.
Outlines
đ€ Introduction to Grammar on Khan Academy
David introduces himself as the host of Grammar on Khan Academy and welcomes the viewers. He expresses excitement about the journey ahead and begins with a key question: 'What is grammar?'
đ Understanding Grammar: Rules vs. Conventions
David explains that grammar consists of rules and conventions that guide language use. A rule is essential for comprehension (e.g., car wheels must be on the bottom), while a convention is more flexible (e.g., car color choices). This sets the stage for understanding how grammar works in practice.
đ Grammar Is Contextual
David highlights that grammar is context-dependent and changes based on who you're speaking to, what you're saying, and how you're saying it. He emphasizes that we all naturally switch between different grammars throughout our daily lives.
đĄ You Already Know Grammar
David reassures the audience that they already possess a lot of grammatical knowledge simply by communicating in everyday life. He affirms that if viewers can understand him, they already understand more about grammar than they might realize.
đ Learning the Names of Grammar Concepts
The purpose of the videos is to provide formal names and concepts for the grammar that viewers already know intuitively. This will help them gain a deeper command of language.
đŁïž Focus on Standard American English
David clarifies that the videos will focus on Standard American English, but he stresses that there are many valid forms of English. He affirms the beauty and vibrancy of all forms of the language.
đ« No Right or Wrong in Language
David emphasizes that the videos are not about teaching 'right' or 'wrong' English. He encourages viewers to appreciate their own way of speaking and assures them that all forms of English are valid.
âïž Harnessing the Power of Language
The goal of the videos is to equip viewers with the tools to use language effectively, regardless of how they choose to speak. David uses the metaphor of car wheels to explain that the form of language can vary (like car color), but the essential rules (like wheels) need to be correct.
đšâđ« You Are Already a Grammarian
David concludes by affirming that every viewer is already a grammarian, having studied grammar throughout their speaking and reading life. He encourages the belief that they can learn anything.
đ Welcome to Grammar on Khan Academy
David wraps up by welcoming viewers to the Grammar series on Khan Academy. He signs off with enthusiasm and confidence, saying 'David out.'
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄGrammar
đĄConventions
đĄRules
đĄContext-dependent
đĄStandard American English
đĄMultiple kinds of grammar
đĄTools to harness language
đĄEnglishes
đĄAlready know grammar
đĄWelcome to Grammar on Khan Academy
Highlights
Grammar is a set of conventions and rules that govern language.
A rule is the minimum requirement for language to be understandable, like placing wheels on the bottom of a car to make it work.
A convention is a culturally agreed-upon practice, such as the color of cars, which doesn't affect functionality.
Grammar is context-dependent, meaning the way we use it changes based on who we are talking to and the situation.
You already know a lot of grammar just by living and talking in the world.
The purpose of these videos is to give names to the grammar rules you already know and help you command them better.
The videos focus on Standard American English, but there are many valid and wonderful Englishes.
There is no right or wrong Englishâdifferent dialects and ways of speaking are all valuable.
The goal is not to change how you speak, but to give you the tools to use English in any way you want.
The analogy of cars and wheels is used: you can choose any color for your car, but the wheels must be in place for it to function.
You are already a grammarian, as you have studied grammar throughout your speaking and reading life.
Grammar is something we naturally learn and apply in everyday communication.
Grammar should be seen as a tool for effective communication rather than a set of rigid rules.
The series emphasizes learning in a way that empowers personal expression, not prescribing one 'correct' form of English.
David believes that anyone can learn grammar and welcomes viewers to the Khan Academy grammar series.
Transcripts
- [Voiceover] Hi, everyone.
My name is David, and I'm here to introduce
you to Grammar on Khan Academy.
Welcome.
I'm so glad you could join me.
So, let's start by asking the question,
"What is grammar?"
What is this thing, why is it worthwhile to study it,
why would you wanna put up with listening to me?
Well, first of all, grammar is a set of conventions
and rules that govern language.
So what's the difference between a convention and a rule?
Well, a rule is kind of the bare minimum of what
it takes to make your language understandable
by other people, right?
So in order to make a car work, for example,
in order to make it move forward as intended,
the wheels have to go on the bottom instead of the roof.
That's a rule.
The idea that all cars should be painted teal, for example,
is a convention.
Now is that true that all cars should be teal?
No, not necessarily, but that leads me to my second point,
that grammar is context dependent.
The kind of grammar that you use
throughout your day changes.
It depends on who you're talking to,
what you're trying to say, and how you're trying to say it.
And so we use multiple kinds of grammar throughout
our days and throughout our lives.
Another thing you need to know is that you already
know so much grammar.
Just from living and existing in the world and
talking to other people.
You know how to put a sentence together.
If you can understand me, then you know
so much about grammar.
You know more than I can teach you.
What these videos are for is to give names
to the things you already know.
To give you a greater command of them.
And I want to say, too, that these videos are only
about a very specific kind of grammar.
It's called Standard American English.
But I want you to know that there are many Englishes.
And you know what?
They're all great.
They are all wonderful and vibrant
and important and special.
And what I do not want for you to take away from these
videos is that I'm trying to teach you what is right
and what is wrong.
If the kind of English you speak doesn't sound like the
kind of English I speak, that is okay, you know?
You are great.
What I want to do is give you the tools to harness language.
To harness English and use it
any way you want.
I mean, I'm saying I don't care what color your car is.
It could be pink, it could be green, it could be purple,
it could be paisley, you know.
I'm just trying to make sure your wheels are on straight.
You are a grammarian.
You have made a study of grammar throughout your
entire speaking and reading life.
And I firmly believe that you can learn anything.
Welcome to Grammar on Khan Academy.
David out.
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