Grammar and the Role of Writing Center Tutors as Teachers of Grammar :: Teaching Writing Grammer Education

Grammar and the Role of authorship Center Tutors as Teachers of GrammarCommunication in any form requires a protocol. The evolution of language from sounds into words is conclusion of that. People recognized that in order for two people to infer each some other, they must stand a common code that allow allow each one to transmit and receive signals accurately. If the word de intermiture signified two different colors to two different people, for example, hence there would be a breakdown of communication. Language has grown interlinking over time and in its current form, it enables users to communicate with precision and nuance. In the English language, specifically, the consequence of what is communicated depends non only on the words chosen, provided excessively on where those words are placed and how they are modified. Semantics studies meaning and interpretation of words. This is separate from syntax, which deals with the physical location of a word (or other element of language) within a sentence (or other linguistic construct). Today, we normally use grammar and syntax interchangeably, although syntax is a subset of grammar. Within the context of Writing Centers, this is acceptable, because when the issue of grammar comes up, it is always a matter of syntax we never, for example, deal with phonology, which is also a subset of grammar. However, semantic issues are sometimes labeled grammatical issues, which is not correct. One might argue that what we call these issues does not matter so long as they are dealt with appropriately. In truth, it does matter, because by lumping semantic issues together with syntactic issues makes grammatical issues as a whole a larger issue, which is undesirable because grammar is already a much feared and religiously avoided area. I conceive of a small, dark closet labeled Grammar, in an obscure part of the house that represents all the issues that Writing Centers deal with. Into the Grammar closet, students a nd tutors alike throw in several issuesactual grammar, but also semantics and miscellaneous quirks of the languageand therefore shut the door. Over time, the inside of the closet becomes dusty and obscure, inaccessible as well something to be both feared and ignored. Come spring, nobody wants to be obligated for cleaning the grammar closet. Sadly, with the desire to focus on critical thinking in papers (i.e. content), those who plan Expository Writing classes or provide tutoring for it have gone from saying, deprecative thinking is the primary focus to saying Critical thinking is the only focus.