Grammar in a conversation in another language: It’s that important?

The correct use of grammar in a conversation in another language is a topic that sparks debate. On one hand, language teachers will tell you that you must always pay attention to proper grammar, no matter the situation. On the other hand, those who have traveled or lived in another country, immersed in a different language and culture, might tell you: “Who cares?” Both perspectives are entirely valid. However, using grammar correctly during a conversation depends on several factors, such as context, the person you’re speaking to, and even the setting.
Today, we’ll delve into this topic and uncover if grammar in a conversation matters as much as you believe.

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The fear of grammar in a conversation 

Like a terrifying ghost, grammar in oral expression often sends chills down people’s spines. For many, it’s so intimidating that it paralyzes and inhibits them. This isn’t just an issue for beginners or intermediate learners—even those with advanced levels, excellent pronunciation, and rich vocabulary may feel anxious when speaking.

So, what is it about grammar in a conversation that scares people so much? There are countless reasons, but they all boil down to one thing: embarrassment.

Yes, embarrassment is the main reason people break into a cold sweat when speaking in another language. Worrying about how they will be perceived by their conversation partner and the frustration of not applying grammar correctly can be overwhelming. Interestingly, this anxiety tends to be more intense among those with a strong command of grammar in their native language.

People who use proper grammar in their mother tongue often feel their proficiency drops significantly when speaking in a new language. This leads to frustration and a tendency to overthink before each word. The result? A vicious cycle where the fear of making mistakes causes even greater stress, and the person ultimately avoids talking altogether.

A common scenario: The fear of “not fitting in”

Another frequent case of grammar anxiety arises from the fear of being labeled or even rejected. This is particularly common among immigrants or professionals transferred abroad for work. In these situations, some individuals worry that speaking with grammatical errors might lead to a negative judgment from native speakers.

This fear can significantly affect a person’s social and emotional well-being. Avoiding conversations due to a fear of making mistakes may lead to social isolation or restrict communication to others with similar language proficiency. For those starting a new life in a foreign environment, this can create significant barriers to adaptation.

So, does grammar really carry such weight when speaking in a new language? As you’ll see, its importance varies greatly depending on the situation.

It’s all relative: Context matters

Imagine you’re a guest speaker at a high-level conference in a language other than your own. In this scenario, precision in grammar is critical to effectively deliver your message to an intellectually demanding audience. Similarly, if you’re a new company director presenting reports to the board, grammar accuracy is essential.

However, in most day-to-day interactions, conversations take place in more informal, relaxed environments. In these settings, minor grammatical errors or even significant linguistic blunders are more likely to be overlooked.

If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that even native speakers often make grammatical mistakes in casual conversations. Think about your own language—how often do people around you speak with perfect grammar? Among friends or family, discussions are typically more about substance than form.

In informal, everyday contexts, minor errors won’t cause a scandal.

Relax! You’re learning

One important factor to remember is this: You’re learning a new language! This fact alone should put you at ease. In most cases, your conversation partner will naturally overlook minor grammatical mistakes. The same applies when you can’t find the right word to express your thoughts in the new language.

So… relax! Making a few mistakes is perfectly normal, and you’ll improve over time. That said, if you’re looking to minimize your errors, here are a couple of tips to help you enhance your grammar in a conversation.

The kindness of strangers

As Blanche Dubois famously said, you too can rely on the kindness of strangers. You’ll be surprised by how patient people can be. Depending on the culture, some might even act as willing mentors eager to help. If you’ve made a friend at work or in your neighborhood, you can kindly ask them to act as your grammar checker.

How does this exercise work? There are several approaches to choose from. The most disruptive—and likely to increase your anxiety about speaking—is asking your friend to correct every grammatical mistake you make during a conversation in a group. Unsurprisingly, this is the least recommended option.

Another approach is to request that your friend remembers the errors you made during a conversation. Of course, this will depend on their memory and attention to detail. The best alternative, however, is to organize small conversation sessions. The goal of these exercises is for your partner to stop you as soon as you make a mistake. This way, you can identify the error and correct it in real time.

Conversation clubs

In many cities, there are “conversation clubs”. These are activities where people with similar language levels gather to help one another correct grammar in a conversation. These groups can be an excellent resource for improving your speaking skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Also, these conversation clubs are an excellent opportunity to meet people who are in your same situation. With “conversational partners” you could practice your grammar in a conversation at different levels. You can arrange various types of speeches: technical, formal, casual or work conversations. In the end, you will improve your skills and… make new friends!

Tips to improve your grammar in a conversation

As mentioned earlier, speaking in a professional or academic setting is entirely different from chatting with a shop assistant or your new native-speaking friends. Likewise, expressing yourself in a new language in writing is not the same as doing so orally.

When writing, even if it’s just a quick text message, you have the chance to look up the meaning of a word. You can even use a translator or your computer’s grammar checker to ensure you’re saying what you intend to say.

Moreover, you can download a translation app like Talkao Translate to correct grammatical and spelling errors. This app uses Artificial Intelligence to quickly translate entire texts, regardless of their length. It can grammatically correct an email or a WhatsApp message in the blink of an eye. This can make you look polished and professional to your recipient.

But what happens during a live conversation, where everything unfolds in fractions of a second?

Here’s where things can get trickier. While you can still rely on technology and translation tools like Talkao, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. In certain situations, using a tech resource might not be as practical as it appears.

For those instances, there are several helpful tips to improve your grammar in a conversation. Let’s take a closer look at the most effective ones.

1. Read… and read a lot!

This might sound repetitive, but it’s true—reading is your greatest ally in mastering both your native and a new language. By reading, you naturally internalize proper grammar structures. Engaging in conscious reading—where you focus on how sentences are constructed—can exponentially boost your skills.

Each language has its own grammatical rules for sentence structure. Through reading well-written material, you’ll gradually improve your grammar, syntax, and even spelling. Over time, this will reflect in your conversations.

2. Record yourself speaking

Though it might feel awkward at first. Nonetheless, recording yourself during a conversation can be incredibly beneficial. You can practice alone or record real conversations (with the other person’s consent). Listening to the playback allows you to identify grammatical errors and see how sentences are constructed.

You can also use transcription tools to convert your recordings into text, helping you review and refine your grammar.

3. The imitation game

Humans learn through imitation, a principle often summarized by the phrase “Monkey see, monkey do.” Mimicking people around you, movies, or street conversations can improve your grammar naturally. This approach also helps you pick up on local expressions and slang for more fluid conversations.

4. The magic of podcasts

Podcasts are another excellent resource. They allow you to choose content that aligns with the level of grammar you want to learn, from formal discussions to casual, everyday language.

5. Leverage technology

Modern tools, like grammar-focused apps and real-time translators, can provide invaluable support. For instance, apps like Talkao Easy Translator can correct grammar errors and offer real-world usage examples, helping you expand your linguistic skills.

Make mistakes and keep speaking. As Albert Einstein once said, 

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

So go ahead—make mistakes, embrace them, and don’t shy away from conversations. A whole new world is waiting for you!

Published Thu, 26 December 2024