Is Grammar more important than pronunciation

Question

As a teacher of accent reduction, I have had students tell me they first have to improve their grammar, before launching into the study of pronunciation.   I for one, think students don't spend enough time on accent reduction in the beginning of their English language learning. I would like to play devil's advocate and say that accent redcution is more important than grammar. Does anyone agree?  I'd like to hear what you have to say.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

relaxspeakDoes anyone agree?

I agree. Nevertheless, progress in both aspects seems to occur in parallel. I think improvement in one stimulates improvement in the other. When a student practices the correct pronunciation of grammatical sentences, both the pronunciation and the grammar are being learned at the same time. In fact, I don't see any reason to separate any aspect of learning from any other. Grammar, pronunciation, conversation, listening, and composition should all be presented at the same time at whatever level is appropriate to the student. What is the point of learning the grammar for forming a past tense, for example, if you can't say it correctly or recognize it when you hear it?

A beginner's accent doesn't have to be perfect, but those who are reduced to inventing their own completely distorted pronunciations for lack of correct training will live to regret it. Eventually they will have to unlearn and relearn, which is much more difficult than learning it right the first time.

CJ

Nona the brit · Answer

I agree. It is easier to understand someone who speaks with fairly 'normal' pronunciation but poor grammar, than it is someone with good grammar but mangled pronunciation. The stress on words is a very important part of pronunciation I think a lot of learners neglect - say a word with the stress(es) in the wrong place and it can be unrecognisable.

LJ36 · Answer

As an ESL teacher for more than 15 years I`ve had far more 'confusing sitiuations' with students' poor pronunciation than with poor grammar. No matter your accent, the English language has a phonetic system and it should be applied properly. For example 'th' is 'th' no matter what the accent is.

Anonymous · Answer

I totally agree. We can understand a well-pronounced language with some grammar mistakes, but it's more difficult to understand good grammar with poor pronunciation.

Is Grammar more important than pronunciation

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