Hi Guys
So, I recently have some language exchanges who ask me a lot of questions about grammar whenever I send back to them the correction of their text. And it always goes like : Why do you use this tense and not the other tense?
Don`t get me wrong. I completely understand it that such questions arise and I would love to solve their questions but although I know some things about the grammar of my native language, I usually use it instinctively. I can explain different nuances and I can explain well enough why a certain word has to be used in a specific context. That`s not a big deal, but grammar gives me a head ache.
How do you try to solve such questions? Do you make the effort to look it up on the internet if you do not know the answer right away? Do you simply say: I am sorry, but I cannot explain it to you? Or don`t you even continue such a language exchange which consists only of someone asking you : why this not that? o_O
For now I am still trying to find a good Internet source where the problem is described and I give the link to my partner. If I understand the explanaition given in the Internet; I give the link + explaining it with my own words. I would feel bad to stop the language exchange because I feel like these people help me a lot with my Spanish even though I do not want/expect them to explain the grammar for me ( I prefer a teacher or the questions and answer board on italki:P).
I am curious for your answers.
Julia
Hi Julia
In my opinion this is exactly the difference between language exchange,casual chat and a professional teacher.If I do a correction it is because I can explain to the learner what was wrong and why I changed something.This is why I ONLY offer paid lessons.I am a professional teacher who studied teaching and grammar for many years.I offer my services for money because I KNOW how to explain vocabulary and grammar.That is my job.I think that non professional speakers often know something is incorrect and they can correct but they cannot explain to the learner WHY something is incorrect.
Hi Julia. Actually, I think if you're trying to teach them about the grammar, you're doing a thing you're least good at. You can do something else a lot better.
Normally, my answer would be, first if that person just wants to know about the jargons relating to grammar, I would suggest they read a grammar book or ask a teacher specialised in it.
Otherwise, they just like to know why is this correct and that incorrect. Other than focusing on the jargons, you can give them different examples to explain the grammar. This would be more helpful. For most learners, they can therefore understand the grammar if they are good students. They can read their grammar books and analyse your examples with the grammar points, and this would be helpful.
In fact, when I ask native speakers questions relating to grammar, I expect them to give me examples rather than focusing on the grammar points. This even applies to David Peachey, who I believe is the best teacher in explaining the grammar points if I can him to do so. But I wouldn't do that.
Yo hago eso.. pergunto y pregunto y pregunto..
pero a su vez también trato de hacer lo mismo con ellos y dar las mejores respuestas que puedo, no soy mala gente en ese sentido debido principalmente a que de verdad me gusta ayudar a los demás, quizas no explicaré muy bien pero se hace lo que se puede.
I know that Germans study grammar in the school but later they forget it. I mean they do forget the terminology (Dative Akkusative Konjuktiv I, II) but they make correct sentences intuitively. Unless you have studied the language or you are a teacher, you may not be able to explain in many situations. In response to some questions you can say,
"This is normally used in German ... or we don't say that"
"I don't know the rule, but I would try to find it out"
"Just accept the rules, children also don't ask for explanation, they just absorb the language"
However you can also ask some other Germans on italki for example Dirk et al, who explain grammar in their corrections. There is also a Question section in italki where your students can put grammar questions and hopefully someone will come up with an answer.
I myself bought an Urdu grammar book lately and was surprised to know that I didn't know some grammar rules. I could, however, make correct sentences without knowing the grammar. It is a good feeling to knowing the rules. May be you should also start studying German grammar again :)
Hi Julia,
I think it's fair for you to simply say, "this sounds right to me" or "this is the way I'd naturally say it". Whereas I do enjoy digging up grammar rules and reasons, I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea so don't feel obliged to explain every piece of grammatical logic.
The best thing to do is tell your partner that a grammar rule probably exists somewhere or someone might be able to explain it a little better, but you're just saying and writing what comes most naturally to you. If your partner is truly interested in reasons, then it's up to him or her to work it out - you're not a vending machine! ;)
