Linguistic Theories, Grammar Components, and Teaching Methodology

Linguistic Theories of Language

1. Behaviorism: According to behaviorism, habits form when learners' responses to external stimuli are positively reinforced. To behaviorist psychologists, language is another form of behavior that can be conditioned. The language teaching method associated with behaviorism is called audiolingualism. In this method, the stimulus-response-reinforcement cycle is realized through practice drills.

2. Structuralism: Originating partly from the work of Saussure, structuralism posits that language is speech, not writing. This means spoken language is paramount, and what a native speaker says is vital for learning.

3. Humanism: Humanistic approaches emerged in the mid-twentieth century, partly as a reaction to "de-humanizing" psychology. Some basic tenets of humanistic education include:

   • Personal growth
   • The development of human values
   • The learner should be engaged affectively as well as intellectually
   • Behaviors that cause anxiety or stress should be avoided
   • Learners should be actively involved in the learning process
   • Learners should and can take responsibility for their own learning

Components of Grammar

Grammar is divided into four main parts:

• Phonetics (Sounds): The study of sound description and articulation. For example: zoo /zu:/

• Morphology (Words): The study of morphemes, the smallest grammatical units with meaning. A morpheme may be a syllable or a whole word. For example: work-worked

• Semantics (Meaning): The study of the meaning of words. For example: bank (of money) and bank (of a river)

• Syntax (Sentence Structure): The study of how words combine to form sentences. For example: "Happiness is an abstract noun."

Method vs. Methodology

Method refers to the specific techniques and procedures used in the classroom to teach a language. It is often based on a particular theory of language or learning. Well-known methods include grammar-translation and the communicative approach.

Methodology, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the overall philosophy and approach to teaching. It includes aspects such as classroom management, learning styles, and assessment strategies.