Learners need grammar: but which grammar? The challenge of word order in German

Margaret Rogers (Surrey) p.59-75

2003 Issue 2

Abstract

This paper approaches the topic ‘which grammar’ from a number of perspectives. After a short look back at grammar in the curriculum and beliefs about the role of grammar in a historical context, the nature of German word order is discussed from a language-typological point of view. Following this, the issue of the learner’s ‘need for grammar’ will be addressed by a look at some typical learner errors in spoken production and through the perception of advanced German learners about their grammar ‘needs’ in a specialist degree in modern languages. This is followed by a consideration of the issue of grammatical sequencing in textbooks. The article concludes with a proposal for an evidence-based approach in the area of MFL policy.