{"id":259,"date":"2016-05-19T19:57:01","date_gmt":"2016-05-19T19:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/waymaker-level2-english\/?post_type=chapter&p=259"},"modified":"2016-10-14T18:18:37","modified_gmt":"2016-10-14T18:18:37","slug":"why-it-matters-grammar","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-introtocollegecomp\/chapter\/why-it-matters-grammar\/","title":{"raw":"Why It Matters: Grammar","rendered":"Why It Matters: Grammar"},"content":{"raw":"

Why is it helpful to\u00a0explain patterns of academic grammar and punctuation usage?<\/h2>\r\n\"twoLanguage is one of the most powerful tools that people\u00a0have at their disposal. Communication is the primary way we connect with others.\u00a0Through words, we can inform, motivate, or injure. Language is also incredibly personal and unique: the way people\u00a0speak can tell us so much about them\u2014it tells us what groups they associate themselves with. Different\u00a0communities (which can be\u00a0determined by profession, age, ethnicity, or location) develop specialized words and constructions that distinguish its members from other people.\r\n\r\nThis kind of\u00a0differentiation can be both a good thing or a bad thing. On the positive side, these specializations help groups become closer to each other, and they help people create a sense of identity. On the other hand,\u00a0these differences can put strain on\u00a0communication between members of different groups.\r\n\r\nFor the sake of communication across cultural lines,\u00a0standardized rules and conventions are necessary. This is where grammar comes in.\u00a0Grammar is composed of the rules that govern English.\u00a0An understanding of these rules is essential for communication. Errors in grammar can easily lead to misunderstandings. Additionally,\u00a0when you speak or write with poor grammar, others will often make judgements about who you are as a person. As Williams and Colomb say, \u201cFollow all the rules all the time because sometime, someone will criticize you for something.\"[footnote]Williams, Joseph M. and Gregory G. Colomb. Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace<\/em>. 3rd ed. Boston: Longman. 2012, p. 14.[\/footnote]\r\n

Code Switching<\/h3>\r\nCode switching<\/em> is the ability to use\u00a0two different varieties (or dialects) of the same language. Most people\u00a0do this instinctively. If you were writing a paper, you might say something like \"The experiment\u00a0requires not one but four different procedures\" in order to\u00a0emphasize number. In an informal online setting, on the other hand, you might say something like \"I saw two (2) buses drive past.\"\r\n\r\nThe most important facet of code switching is knowing when to use which variety.\u00a0In formal academic writing, \"standarized\" English is the correct variety to use; this section will cover the rules and conventions of Standard American English, which is used in academic and professional situations. As you go through this module, remember that these are the rules for just one type of English.\r\n

About the Videos in this Module<\/h3>\r\nYou'll quickly recognize a distinctive voice and format\u00a0in the videos in this section of the course.\u00a0\u00a0David, Grammar Content Fellow from the Khan Academy, has charming insights and a straightforward, encouraging approach to deepening your understanding of\u00a0language.\u00a0Watch this video for an introduction to David and his position on grammar:\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/O-6q-siuMik\r\n

Learning\u00a0Outcomes<\/h2>\r\n