Grammar A Linguists' Guide for Language Teachers

Traditionally, there has been a disconnect between theoretical linguistics and pedagogical teacher training. This book seeks to bridge that gap. Using engaging examples from a wide variety of languages, it provides an innovative overview of linguistic theory and language acquisition research for readers with a background in education and teacher training, and without specialist knowledge of the field. The authors draw on a range of research to ground ideas about grammar pedagogy, presenting the notion of Virtual Grammar as an accessible label for unifying the complexity of linguistics. Organised thematically, the book includes helpful 'Case in point' examples throughout the text, to illustrate specific grammar points, and step-by-step training in linguistic methods, such as how to analyse examples, which educators can apply to their own teaching contexts. Through enriching language teachers' understanding of linguistic features, the book fosters a different perspective on grammar for educators.

1. A guide to the linguists' guide to grammar; 2. Language and languages; 3. Grammar and grammars; 4. Language learning and acquisition; 5. Language education.

Tom Rankin's research investigates diverse aspects of language learning, from generative theoretical approaches to the acquisition of syntax to applications of learner corpora for teaching. His work has been published in Second Language Research and the International Journal of Learner Corpus Research. He is editor of the journal Pedagogical Linguistics.
Melinda Whong's teaching career spans four continents and ranges from primary to higher education. Her academic career has been devoted to bridging the gap between linguistic research and classroom teaching, with previous books including Universal Grammar and the Second Language Classroom, and Language Teaching: Linguistic Theory in Practice.