We don\u2019t underestimate the importance of grammar, but studies1,2,3<\/sup>\u00a0have shown that,\u00a0of all the factors contributing to language proficiency, vocabulary size is by far the single most significant factor.<\/p>\n Data consistently show that progressively larger vocabulary sizes are associated with progressively higher proficiency levels4<\/sup>.<\/p>\n Did you know your brain processes languages using two different memory systems? The declarative memory learns facts: words, phrases, numbers, etc. The procedural memory learns skills, such as applying a grammar rule.<\/p>\n Much of what was originally thought to be processed by the procedural memory is actually declarative.<\/strong> For example, an expression like \u201cI do not know\u201d was traditionally thought to be an exercise in grammar\u2014conjugating \u201cknow\u201d, negating with \u201cnot\u201d, etc. But this is actually processed declaratively as a \u201cchunk\u201d. The more of these \u201cchunks\u201d you know, the less time you need to process and produce fluent speech.<\/p>\n Learners with large vocabularies can draw from these pre-constructed chunks, stringing them together into longer, more \u201cnative-like\u201d sentences.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When you think of grammar you probably think of things like verb conjugations. A sufficiently large and carefully curated vocabulary supports learning <\/strong>those kinds of <\/strong>grammar rules<\/strong>5<\/sup> and becomes the foundation on which grammar rules can be applied in new and imaginative ways<\/strong>6<\/sup>.<\/strong><\/p>\n We challenge you to come up with a sentence in the past perfect tense without using any nouns, adjectives, or objects. ?<\/p>\n Vocabulary as an investment in grammar goes beyond the obvious need for words to use in examples.<\/p>\n Consider semantics and pragmatics. These two constraints of grammar are learned through vocabulary and fully processing the meaning of words. Semantics has to do with the actual definition of a word or text.\u00a0Pragmatics\u00a0refers to how words are used in a practical sense, or in context.<\/p>\n For example, if someone said to you \u201ccould you crack the window?\u201d semantically you know that \u201cto crack\u201d means to break, but pragmatically you know that they want you to open the window.<\/p>\n To understand the sentence, the many meanings of individual vocabulary words and idiomatic expression must be known and carefully studied.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Have you ever been listening to someone speak and got stuck on a single word, turning it over in your mind only to miss the next 30 seconds of the conversation?<\/p>\n Vocabulary can plug those holes, making it easier to listen, speak, read, or write in the target language.<\/p>\n It also frees up your brain to pick up on other aspects of the language that are important for fluency\u2014cultural references, proper pronunciation, and application of grammar patterns (as you know now).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Communicating is ultimately about sharing ideas. You don\u2019t need to be native-like to express an idea successfully. Need medical assistance? The single word \u201chospital\u201d or \u201cdoctor\u201d will likely get you what you need.<\/p>\n But if your goal is to have personal or professional life in the language and to express your ideas eloquently, grammar is a must.<\/p>\n As you\u2019re learning vocabulary chunks, start looking for grammar patterns! That\u2019s actually how you learned grammar in your native language, by seeing it in context and deducing the grammar rules. Then you can apply those rules and patterns in the classroom or when communicating with your friends or colleagues. (But that is a topic for another day!)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Want to know more about a vocab-first approach to language learning? Watch a replay of our webinar on the subject!<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"language](\"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/03\/vocab-by-level.png\")
<\/p>\nWhy focus on vocabulary?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vocabulary can be \u201cchunked\u201d.<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vocabulary actually helps<\/em> you master different grammatical functions!<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vocabulary also helps with all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).<\/h3>\n
Where does grammar fit in?<\/strong><\/h2>\n