Language Ideas of BABA ALEXANDER,New Delhi
- Language is not the product of grammar.
The language originated before formulating Grammar rules. Language is beyond written grammar rules. When we hear others talk continuously, then we learn grammar along, that is, which words, in which ways, where we need to use, etc.(This is what happens in acquiring our native tongue).
- Never teach grammar formally or informally.
Formal or Informal teaching of grammar creates confusion and conflicts in the learner. When we teach grammar rules, the learner thinks about the grammar rules while he/she is about to talk. Then he/she can’t talk and can’t concentrate on the language-related topic. Then talking becomes more difficult and confusing. All language-related things (grammar rules and conditions) are automatically exchanged from the speaker to the listener while talking and hearing. It doesn’t mean that there is no grammar. The teaching of grammar is the problem.
- User writing also no need to teach grammar rules.
Writing is also not the product of grammar. All grammar rules were formulated only after inventing script and writing. Letters and words are the written form of different sounds we use in our talking. In that sense talking and writing are the same. If a person learns the written form of sounds in a particular language (alphabets), he can write & read all the things he speaks. Letters and writing were invented mainly for overcoming the time and distance limitations of talking. There is no standard format of writing either language-related. Like talking, in writing also there are many ways, usages, styles, humans, and orders.
- Human language is the developed form of animal language.
The only difference is that humans can combine more sounds than animals. The origin and order of developing language or language development stages can be seen in an infant viz. making meaningless sounds (starting cry), meaningful sounds (later cry becomes meaningful), combining few sounds (usage of single words), combining more sounds (talking), writing and reading. The majority of animals are still in the beginning two stages.
- Informal ways make more results in language training.
All languages originated informally only. It is exchanged from one generation to another informally and automatically. Languages originated not from a set of rules, by-laws, or even not from textbooks. Changing an informal and automatically originated language system to a formal system (by making grammar rules & making language ways real-life learning subjects) is the reason behind the failures of the conventional and formal way of teaching language.
Instead of teaching a language, giving maximum hearing and talking chances in an informal and real-life or practical way are the best and scientific way of acquisition of a language. That means stopping formal teaching of language is the best option for the acquisition of language in people. The formal teaching of words, meaning, spelling, pronunciation, etc. creates negative effects only in the learner. Because this type of teaching diverts the attention of the speaker in finding meaning, checking pronunciation, nonnative, etc. instead of talking or answering. This principle is applicable for the acquisition of language for all native & nonnative speakers. The strategy should be the same for building language skills in both native & nonnative language speakers.
- The Same strategy should be followed for acquiring all the languages in the world.
The origin, evolution, and development of languages are the same for all the languages in this world. That means the same strategy should be followed for acquiring all the languages in the world.
- Any verbal knowledge or words without any direct/ imaginary visuals or music will not go into the subconscious mind.
A word with a direct or imaginary image or visual stays in the subconscious mind for a long time. Words with melodies are also getting absorbed in the same way. This strategy is also applicable for the acquisition of all other learning subjects.
- Order of Developing Language.
Hear, one-word speech, two-word speech, multiple words, the flow of words, the flow of sentences, write, read is the order of acquisition of language in a person. This very same order we need to follow in developing any language in a person.
- Correcting creates fear and conflicts in the learner.
Correcting automatically happens by hearing others talk continuously. Through different stages, only one can reach the fluency stage. Language is developed not for correcting and governing others but for communicating.
- Creating and maintaining a standard pronunciation is not practical for any language.
Language or talks in a language is not a one-man invention. So many people have contributed and are still contributing to the development of language. Climate, geography, and many factors of the place will influence the vocal cords in the matter of sound modulation & sound pattern in a person. More than that, which way one hears the sound, that same way, he develops his talking. Through the advancement in technology, communication devices, and globalization, it is getting automatically reduced, up to an extent.
11.No need to teach meaning, spelling, and pronunciation.
If we teach the writing, only after learning to speak, there is no need to teach meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. This process automatically acquires from others speech. Which way one hears a word regularly is the same way he pronounces that word.
- There is no ‘mother-tongue’.
By birth, nobody gets any particular language. In that sense, there is no ‘mother-tongue’. From childhood onward when language hears and talks more, he gets more attached to that language, feels more comfortable, and gains speed in using that language. The language fundamentalists and particular language beneficiaries exploit and misuse this attachment (mother-tongue mania) for attaining their narrow political, religious, and economical interests. Since, almost all languages are connected with a particular region, religion, caste, culture, country, etc. It creates language fundamentalism in a person and one gets angry with other languages and sometimes may lead to an attack on those who use other languages.
13.Never connect any language with any culture, country, religion, region, caste, etc.
Otherwise, for making relationships and communication originated languages themselves become reasons for spoiling relationships.
14.No language can continue with specific written grammar rules.