Is It Necessary to Develop
Grammar Learning Materials?
Senior Lecturer
Dela Jiao
Although Chinese language proficiency can be acquired effectively without detailed grammatical explanation, a systematic and deep understanding of the language and its’ principles is crucial for developing a “feel” for the language. This is true especially for adult non-heritage students.
As of now, grammar is usually introduced as part of a textbook that provides different situational topics. This approach can surely help develop communicative skills, but it has also caused some problems. For example, it is difficult for a textbook to give a detailed discussion about grammar rules, as a result, students who would like to learn more have to turn to some grammar handbooks for help, however, most of these handbooks are not relevant to the textbook students are using.
This paper will begin with examining some problems that remain unsolved in teaching grammar nowadays, and then focus on certain concrete issues regarding how to develop grammar learning materials. The discussion will be based on my experience in teaching Chinese to both heritage and non-heritage college students as well as on my experience in composing two grammar books (one was published by Cheng and Tsui in 2007, and the other is forthcoming). The issues to be addressed include: what are the advantages and disadvantages of having a companion grammar book designed especially for a particular textbook? To what extent should the grammar book be supportive to the textbook? What kind of grammar book would be more helpful for American students? How to select the grammar points? How to present the grammar points?