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

Grammar and the Role of Writing Center Tutors as Teachers of Grammar Communication in any form requires a protocol. The evolution of language from sounds into words is proof of that. People recognized that in order for two people to understand each other, they must have a common code that will allow each one to transmit and receive signals accurately. If the word â€Å"red† signified two different colors to two different people, for example, then there would be a breakdown of communication. Language has grown complex over time and in its current form, it enables users to communicate with precision and nuance. In the English language, specifically, the meaning of what is communicated depends not only on the words chosen, but also 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 usually use â€Å"grammar† an d â€Å"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 imagine 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 and tutors alike throw in several issues—actual grammar, but also semantics and mis cellaneous quirks of the language—and then 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 responsible 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, â€Å"Critical thinking is the primary focus† to saying â€Å"Critical thinking is the only focus.