According to RAE, grammar is the part of linguistics that studies the elements of a language, as well as the way in which these are organized and combined. In other words, grammar is the set of rules and principles that govern the use of a specific language. The Spanish word for grammar is gramática. There are other definitions included under grammar:
- Traditionally, the art of speaking and writing a language correctly.
- Formerly, the study of the Latin language.
- In linguistics, the representation of the linguistic competence of the speakers, especially regarding the morphology, the syntax and certain aspects of the lexicon.
Types of grammar
Here are some of the main approaches to the study of grammar in Spanish:
- gramática comparada (comparative grammar): Studies the relations between two or more languages.
- gramática descriptiva (descriptive grammar): Set of rules about language based on how it is actually used. With this approach, there is no right or wrong language.
- gramática normativa (prescriptive grammar): Defines the uses that are considered correct in the cultured language of a community.
- gramática estructural (structural grammar): Explains the structure and function of the systems that make up languages.
- gramática funcional (functional grammar): Studies of the functions of the elements that constitute a language. Links grammatical and lexical structures with their communicative value.
- gramática generativa (generative grammar): Provides a set of rules or principles that correctly predict combinations that appear in grammatically correct sentences for a given language.
- gramática histórica (historical grammar): Studies the evolution that a language has experienced over time.
- gramática tradicional (traditional grammar): Goes back to the Latin and Greek traditions, and developed in the later centuries, practically until the appearance of structural grammar in the first half of the twentieth century.
Check out these articles to Learn Spanish Grammar.
