138. Grammar consists in conventions – say in a chart. This might be
part of a mechanism. But it is connection and not the effect that determines
the meaning.
Can one speak of grammar in the case where a language is taught to a
person by mere drill?
the ‘connection’ of grammar to language – is that of proposal to
proposal
you can see language as presented in a theory of grammar –
but this is just one option
language can be viewed in any number of ways –
grammar is just one proposal –
as for meaning – the same applies –
any ‘determination’ of meaning – is open to question – to doubt
meaning is uncertain
‘Can one speak of grammar in the case where a language is taught to a
person by mere drill?’
I would think not –
but then the question – what is being taught here by mere drill?
how could it be language use?
‘mere drill’ teaches ignorance
language use requires a flexible intelligence –
and that ability is not fostered by rote learning –
in fact learning by rote is the complete antithesis to learning how to use language –
learning how to use language – is not leaning mindless drill –
it is learning to deal with uncertainty
© greg t. charlton. 2015.
