CAPES 3 : Functional Language - Locutional Grammar

Traditionally, grammarians ask questions about how language is structured. From a radical structuralist position, one may look at the different rules and sub-rules of the system without actually bothering too much about what people actually use them to communicate. But while this may satisfy some pure linguists, it is not of much help to either the language-learner or the language-teacher.

Have a look here. You should also have a look at Capes Lecture 4. Now look at one or another of the school textbooks at your disposition. Do they draw a distinction between grammar and Functions? Now have a look at the CNDP brochure 'Anglais : classes des collèges" (Brochure no. 001 F6149) and turn to page 18. Read what the IO say about Functions and about Grammar on that page.

If you read about grammar, you will sometimes find the following distinctions :

- descriptive grammar

- normative grammar

- pedagogical grammar

What do these distinctions mean? What would you expect each of them to say about, for example, the be -ing form?

(If you have a question of a comment, write to me at tmason@timothyjpmason.com)