Grammar and Communication

 

 Introduction

               Grammar is the arrangement of words to form a complete sentence. It involves using nouns, verbs, adverbs, pronouns, and tenses among others. Communication is the act of exchanging or relaying information by writing, speaking or using any other means of communication. For a sentence to be well understood, correct grammar has to be used.

               According to Wren & Martin (2018), grammar helps us to arrange and organize words that make sense to construct a sentence. There are different types of sentences, those that ask questions and are known as interrogative sentences. Assertive and declarative sentences make statements. The ones that show requests and commands are called imperative sentences. Sentences that express feelings are called exclamatory sentences. In making a sentence, we must have a subject to talk about and something to say about the subject. There has to be a phrase and a clause in a sentence which are parts of a sentence and terms used in grammar. In Ted-Ed lessons, the use of the correct phrases and clauses is clear. A clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a verb whereas a phrase does not contain the two. For a sentence to be understood and information communicated, these correct rules have to be used.

                Grammar includes standard and non-standard usage. Woods (2015) explains that standard is the one regarded as proper grammar just as the Ted-Ed lessons teach. It uses the correct patterns and structure in speech and writing. The non-standard is the use of bad grammar and slang and is mostly used in our conversations but should be avoided in every way possible mostly where formal communication is taking place. Communicating formally involves exchanging information officially using correct grammar structures and patterns. Communication that is done casually is known as informal communication. It is mostly based on relationships such as peers, family or friends. It deviates from the use of correct structures and rules and therefore cannot be used in official situations.

                 According to Padhye (2017), words in a sentence are divided into classes that govern the use of grammar.  If you understand and know how to use the parts of speech then it becomes easy to understand and speak correctly and be understood just like the lessons from Ted-Ed. A noun is a naming word used to name someone or something and is divided into common nouns and proper nouns. Pronouns are words used in place of a noun. They are divided into seven classes which are, possessive, personal, interrogative, demonstrative, relative, reflexive and quantitative pronouns. Adjectives are words that describe a thing or a person and gives more information about a noun or a pronoun. The types of adjectives are possessive, descriptive, interrogative, demonstrative, qualitative and quantitative adjectives. A verb is a doing word and expresses an action. There are finite, non-finite, action and state verbs. An adverb is a word that gives more information about an adjective, place, time, or a phrase. A preposition is a word that is placed before a noun or a pronoun to show position, time, or method. A conjunction is a joining word that joins phrases, words, and sentences. The three types of conjunctions are, coordinating, correlative and subordinating conjunctions. An interjection is a word that expresses a sudden feeling. These parts of speech help in writing and reading using correct grammar, making communication effective.

              According to Reddy C. (2016), grammar is a communication tool containing structures that help in making communication precise. This is an effective lesson from Ted-Ed on the structures of grammar. The use of capital letters, punctuation marks, correct spelling and the right parts of speech makes written communication easy. Without these structures, communication could be hard and misunderstood, conveying the wrong message. Grammar is important in every form of communication. Communication enables us to express ourselves in a manner that we are understood hence the importance of using correct grammar. Grammar increases the accuracy of thinking. The grammatical rules enable a person to think and communicate logically. In communication, if you cannot write properly then the information relayed will not be accurate.

                 Reddy C. (2016) states that the use of good grammar saves time. If a person can communicate effectively, the message is delivered fast and accurately. Good grammar reduces confusion either in speaking or in writing and makes translation for the recipient easy. For employees, good communication skills enable you to get noticed by your seniors and give you a chance for promotion. Good grammar use clears the message being delivered. If the communication language is unclear which could be caused by the use of poor grammar then the message is not understood. This leads to unclear messages to the recipient. Correct grammar changes the way other people perceive you. It makes a good impression and earns you respect. In the workplace, for example, it makes you maintain a level of professionalism. Ted-Ed lessons show that poor grammar can make people look down on you. Grammar is also important in the digital world. The credibility of people sharing information digitally can be questioned by readers or listeners when communication is not made clear. People will stop viewing your content and even unsubscribe from your links and channels.

            In the Ted-Ed lessons about speech, in the business world, communication is very important. This is to ensure that there is an understanding between the seller and the buyer. In such cases, good grammar is vital because the correct information needs to be delivered and avoid any room that could lead to confusion. Most companies want employees with good communication skills so that they can have a good reputation and enable the business to be successful. It will also enable the customers to gain trust in the company if the description of a product is well understood. Marketers should also have good communication skills that make customers attracted to a product and this means using correct grammar. Reddy C. (2016) advocates for the use of the language regularly to improve on grammar. The more you practice it the more you become better at it. Other effective ways to improve on grammar are, writing and reading more, listening and practicing and going through a course.

             Communication is a key part of our everyday life. It is defined as a process that people use to share information and come to a consensus. Another definition is an activity where information is exchanged from one person to another through human mediums who interact within a shared context. It is a process of transmitting and receiving messages. Through communication with one another, we maintain personal relationships and social networks. Thompson (2018), states that we need to have high-level communications skills that enable us to exceed our everyday capabilities. As the lessons from Ted-Ed teach, to avoid miscommunication we have to learn the skills of good communication. Every communication must have two messages at the same time. The basic message is the message being delivered and the other message is how we want the recipient to receive the basic message. Communication involves interaction which can sometimes go wrong due to misunderstanding and people having different perspectives on the message.

             Ted-Ed gives effective lessons of communication models. In some models of these models, there are three elements involved. Thompson (2018) explains in detail that there is the one transmitting the message, the one receiving it and in between is the two is one referred to as noise. The noise element includes any factors that interfere with communication. Noise elements include distractions, technical problems, and emotional issues. They tamper with the information being delivered and therefore the process of communication is made impossible. This means that the wrong message will reach the recipient.

             Taylor (2015) states that communication is not just the use of words but includes how you express it, for example, the tone of your voice. Communication includes the intention of sending the message. It also includes when you are delivering the message, for example when arguing. There are hindrances to effective communication which include lack of concentration. Not paying attention when talking to a person, for example using your mobile phone can hinder effective communication. Ted-Ed lessons explain to us how distractions can cause confusion and misunderstanding. Judging a person when talking could make you not listen or consider their opinions.

                 According to Taylor (2015), effective skills that make communication possible include, listening. Listening more than you speak enables you to grasp as much information as needed. You should avoid making interruptions in a conversation. Lessons from Ted-Ed about being actively involved and giving feedback both in verbal and non- verbal communication are effective. Being short, clear and precise makes the message be passed and understood easily. Summarizing and clarifying what you have heard makes you a good listener and you can get the message. Sharing the feelings of the other person helps you to understand their message. Feedback is giving your insights or thoughts about a message and it is always good to provide feedback to make communication effective. Developing trust and harmonious relationships built on honesty and integrity enables communication to be efficient. Being in the moment during communication makes you reliable and it contributes to great and resourceful communication.

                Krause (2018) explains the reasons why good grammar is important in communication. One of the three categories in grammar are purists, these are prescriptivists. These are people who know, appreciate and accept the rules of grammar. They believe that the rules govern the correct usage and not using the rules makes the content wrong. Purists have an eye for detail when it comes to good grammar. The other category includes rebels also known as descriptivists. These are people who care about how the language is used and do not care about the rules that govern it. They are not too much into detail so long as communication happens. The third category is of people who do not know or care about the rules of grammar or cannot keep up with them. Ted-Ed lessons are effective in teaching about descriptivism and prescriptivism.

            According to Krause (2018), your spelling, grammar and punctuations are a representation of yourself to the world. Lessons from Ted-Ed are effective in communication is the act of understanding and being understood. It gives the recipient the message of attention to detail and command. Poor grammar makes you look careless and affects your credibility. People make judgments on your capability based on your grammar. Communication is a skill that we use to make sense of information, find solutions and entertain one another. Good grammar represents the power and effectiveness of words.

Conclusion

                Communication and grammar go hand in hand. The correct grammatical use enhances effective communication. Poor grammar leads to misunderstood information and could sometimes bring conflicts between people. Ted-Ed lessons from the videos teach us that the correct use of grammar makes information become easily and well understood. Some rules must be followed in grammar for it to be correct. Proper grammar helps you communicate effectively and get what you want easily because the message is transmitted clearly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Krause M. (2018). Good grammar is (still) important and here’s why: www.clearvoice.com

Taylor J. (2015). 9 effective communication skills: www.habitsforwellbeing.com

Thompson, N. (2018). Effective Communication: A Guide for the People Professions: London:

Palgrave

Padhye S.S. (2017). English, grammar and writing skills: Notion press

Reddy C. (2016) why is grammar important in communication: content.wisestep.com

	Wren P.C, Martin H. (2018), High school English grammar & composition. New Delhi : Blackie                elt Books, an imprint of S.Chand Publishing, Woods, G. (2015). Basic English Grammar For Dummies - US (For Dummies (Language &                 Literature). John Wiley & Sons (UK)