Word Knowledge: Vocabulary AND Grammar

A common question that most language learners eventually ask is a version of the following: “Which is more important, grammar or vocabulary?”

The answer to this question is that it depends on your needs. Certainly, early on it is necessary to learn basic words and phrases – such as, “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you” – but while it is possible to say just “Name?” Or “Phone number?” to ask a question and get a response, eventually it will come time for you to start developing beyond these two-or-three-word expressions if you wish to engage in conversation at a level above what a native two-or-three-year-old child can express.

It is also possible to speak one word after another in a stream-of-conscious word soup and salad – but most listeners eventually find this type of communication difficult to understand clearly.

The truth is that both vocabulary AND grammar are essential to acquire as you work toward fluency, so neither should be ignored. A better question might be: “What should I be focusing on right now, grammar or vocabulary?” This question is a bit better to ask, in my opinion, because it allows the learner to work on both interchangeably and dynamically, as necessary.

There are times when it is better to simply study words alone (vocabulary). On the other hand, there are also times when it is better to study structures and frameworks (grammar). Ultimately, though, you need to put the two alongside one another – they work best in conjunction with each other another.

Word Knowledge

An expression that I personally have found helpful is the concept of acquiring word knowledge. If you simply look at a dictionary entry or a phrasebook entry you will notice that each vocabulary word has information about it that involves both meaning and usage. Acquiring a strong word knowledge about the terms you learn will help you use the vocabulary in clear grammatical sentences. Knowing how it is used contextually, with other words in a meaningful sentence will do more for you than simply knowing the word alone in isolation. This is why Lingocard has both individual items and context sentences.

In Conclusion

Focus on acquiring language both as individual building blocks and as pieces you can put together and use in flexible ways. Your ability to use your words will come as you practice and grow and deepen your intuition for how to use the interrelationship between vocabulary and grammar.

In forthcoming blogs, we will discuss how you can build both your Vocabulary and your Grammar awareness both independently and together in connection with each other to develop fluency and learn how to manipulate your target language.