Today’s discussion focuses on the importance of studying grammar. This lesson is part of the Language and Education series, specifically within the section on grammar and the significance of grammar study.
Commenting on the importance of studying grammar, Dr. Muhammad Enamul Haque stated, “Humans have survived and continue to survive without knowledge of scientific theories and facts related to light, water, electricity, air, and the like. However, that does not mean they can reject the scientific theories and information of these elements and construct towering monuments of present-day civilisation. Language can function without grammar; but if there is no linguistic civilisation, at the very least, civility or refinement cannot be attained or flourish. This is why educated individuals require not only general knowledge about grammar but also specialised understanding.”
For a language to be fully appreciated and utilised by all, the importance of studying its grammar is immense because:
- Grammar analyses a language to determine its nature and characteristics. The rules and regulations of any language are governed by its grammar. For this reason, grammar is often called the ‘constitution of language’.
- Studying grammar provides knowledge of the structure and nature of various language components, as well as their correct usage. This makes it easier to identify errors and correctness in both writing and speech. Hence, it is said, “Language is not created by grammar; rather, grammar’s duty is to determine the rules of a formed language.”
- To truly appreciate the beauty of a language, learning its grammar is essential.
- According to literary connoisseurs, to fully savour the essence of literature, one must completely absorb that essence, and grammar aids in this absorption. Through the study of grammar, knowledge of metre and figures of speech can also be gained.
- Without appropriate knowledge of grammatical theories and facts, there is a risk of deviating from linguistic ideals. Then, even when using language as a vehicle for advanced ideas, producing excellent literature becomes impossible.
- Studying grammar prevents potential misuse of language, thereby preserving its purity.
- The aim of grammar education is to make the overall form of the language comprehensible. This holds true for Bengali grammar as well.
Therefore, knowledge of grammar is indispensable for proper language use and for mastering the rules of linguistic beauty — such as phonetics, vocabulary, metre, sentence construction, syntax, idiomatic expressions, and more. However, it must be remembered that language precedes grammar. Thus, while studying grammar is certainly necessary, one should not become completely confined or overwhelmed by it.
