CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION TO GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY

A. DEFINITION AND IMPORTANCE OF GRAMMAR AND
VOCABULARY IN LANGUAGE
Grammar is a system of rules that governs how words are arranged in sentences to
create clear and meaningful communication. Grammar covers various aspects such as word
order, tense usage, types of sentences, and the relationships between words in a sentence.
Grammar helps language users form structurally correct sentences, ensuring that the intended
message is clearly understood by the listener.
According to Radford (1997), grammar is a set of rules that regulates how words are
arranged in a sentence to form clear and structured meaning. Grammar encompasses various
aspects such as morphology (word structure), syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning
of sentences), and pragmatics (the use of language in social contexts).
Chomsky (1957) in his theory of Generative Grammar argues that grammar is a system
of rules that regulates the sentence structure that can be produced by human thought. This
grammar is not just formal rules but also reflects the way humans think when constructing
sentences that can be understood by others.
Vocabulary, on the other hand, refers to the collection of words used in a language.
Each word has a specific meaning, and the ability to use a broad vocabulary allows a speaker
to express various ideas, emotions, and information more precisely. A rich vocabulary also
helps the speaker understand texts or conversations more effectively.
Vocabulary, according to Nation (2001), is the collection of words used in a language
and includes various word levels (e.g., root words, derived words, idioms, and phrases).
Vocabulary consists of two main aspects: receptive vocabulary (words understood when heard
or read) and productive vocabulary (words used in speaking or writing).
Snow (2010) defines vocabulary as the collection of words a person knows and uses to
actively understand and produce language. Vocabulary plays a crucial role in developing
language and communicating clearly.
Both grammar and vocabulary are vital in language learning because they work together
to ensure effective communication. Without proper grammar, the vocabulary used might not
form a clear meaning. Conversely, even if someone has a broad vocabulary, if they don’t
understand grammar rules, the sentences they form may be ambiguous or incorrect.
 According to Krashen (1982) in his Input Hypothesis theory, grammar plays an
important role in producing accurate and rule-compliant sentences. Without correct grammar,
the message being conveyed may become unclear or even incorrect. Swain (1985) in his Output
Hypothesis theory asserts that understanding and using correct grammar facilitates the ability
to comprehend both spoken and written texts. Someone who masters grammar well will be able
to form complex and effective sentences in communication. Selinker (1972) developed the
concept of interlanguage, a stage where a language learner is between their mother tongue and
the target language. A good understanding of grammar allows learners to pass through this
stage more quickly and communicate more accurately.
In effective communication, both grammar and vocabulary play crucial roles:
1. Grammar provides the structure needed to understand the relationships between words in a
sentence. Without grammar, sentences may become unclear or logically incorrect. For
example, the difference between "She goes to the market" and "She go to the market" depends
on the grammar rule (correct verb tense usage).
2. Vocabulary allows speakers to express ideas more precisely and in detail. The more
vocabulary a person masters, the easier it is to convey information in various contexts and
situations. A rich vocabulary helps convey more subtle nuances, such as feelings, opinions,
and specific knowledge in particular fields.
3. Vocabulary is essential for improving communication skills, as stated by Snow (2010), who
emphasizes that mastering a broad vocabulary allows someone to express thoughts and feelings
more richly and accurately. Adequate vocabulary enhances understanding of texts and
improves speaking and writing abilities.
4. Furthermore, Meara (1996) in his theory on the relationship between vocabulary and
understanding meaning argues that vocabulary is closely tied to the ability to comprehend the
meanings of words and broader concepts in a text. Without mastering vocabulary,
understanding the content of a text or conversation becomes limited. This shows the
relationship between vocabulary and meaning comprehension.
5. Vocabulary can also improve reading and writing abilities. Grabe (2009) states that
mastering a wide vocabulary is closely related to the ability to read faster and better
comprehend texts. Similarly, in writing, a varied vocabulary allows the writer to convey
messages more clearly and diversely.
Overall, grammar and vocabulary work together to ensure that messages conveyed can
be clearly, effectively, and accurately understood.
 Grammar and vocabulary complement each other and play crucial roles in forming
effective communication. Hymes (1972) in his theory of Communicative Competence
suggested that mastering grammar and vocabulary is important not only in the structure of
language but also in the ability to use language appropriately in social contexts. In this regard,
grammar provides rules on how words are arranged, while vocabulary provides the richness of
word choices that are suitable for particular situations.
The Influence of Grammar on Vocabulary Usage: Bialystok (1991) suggests that
understanding grammar can enrich one's understanding and use of vocabulary. For instance,
understanding verb forms or plural forms influences how vocabulary is used in sentences.
The Influence of Vocabulary on Grammar: On the other hand, a good understanding of
vocabulary also allows a person to understand more complex grammar rules and contexts. For
example, understanding the different nouns in singular and plural forms helps learners use the
correct verb forms. Grammar and vocabulary are closely related and interdependent. Grammar
provides rules that guide how vocabulary is used in the correct context. Without mastery of
grammar, even if someone has an extensive vocabulary, they will not be able to arrange it
correctly in a sentence. Similarly, understanding grammar without sufficient vocabulary will
limit one's ability to express ideas comprehensively.
Examples of their relationship:
Vocabulary provides us with words to use, while grammar regulates how these words
are arranged in proper sentences.
In a sentence, small changes in the use of grammar or vocabulary can significantly alter the
meaning. For example, changing from "I want to go" to "I want going" (although the words are
the same), the incorrect sentence structure makes it grammatically incorrect.
Mastering both simultaneously enables someone to communicate ideas efficiently and
accurately.
The goal of learning grammar and vocabulary is to develop comprehensive language
skills. By understanding grammar, language learners can form sentences with the correct
structure. On the other hand, mastering vocabulary allows them to enrich their language
expression and communicate ideas more effectively.
Research by Nation (2001) on vocabulary teaching shows that language learners with
a broader vocabulary tend to be more successful in understanding reading texts and producing
more complex sentences. Research by Doughty and Varela (1998) on the role of grammar in
second language learning shows that explicit grammar learning (structured) can improve
grammatical accuracy in real-world communication contexts, although some grammar aspects
are better learned implicitly. Research by Schmitt (2000) on vocabulary mastery in second
language learning highlights that learners who know more vocabulary have more opportunities
to participate in conversations and understand a broader range of texts, which speeds up the
language learning process.
The benefits of learning grammar and vocabulary include:
1. Better Communication Skills: Mastering both elements enables someone to speak and write
more fluently and effectively. In conversation, someone with a good understanding of grammar
and an extensive vocabulary will be easier to understand by others.
2. Better Understanding of Texts: Understanding grammar and vocabulary helps language
learners comprehend texts, both spoken and written. Knowing grammar rules and having a
broad vocabulary enables readers to easily understand the meaning behind the texts they read.
3. Development of Writing Skills: Learning grammar and vocabulary is crucial for improving
writing abilities. Grammar helps shape proper sentence structure, while vocabulary allows
writers to enrich their writing with appropriate word choices.
Improving Listening and Speaking Skills: By mastering grammar and vocabulary, language
learners can follow conversations more easily and respond quickly and accurately.
4. Understanding sentence structures and word variations makes communication more
effective.
5. Increased Confidence: A good understanding of grammar and vocabulary also boosts
confidence in communication, whether in everyday conversation, language exams, or formal
situations.
Overall, grammar and vocabulary play an essential role in language learning. Grammar
provides the structure and rules for accurate language use, while vocabulary allows richer and
more complex expression of ideas. Both are interrelated and inseparable in the process of
effective communication, whether in daily conversation or formal contexts. Existing research
shows that mastering grammar and vocabulary will result in more effective language skills and
improved overall language understanding.
Exercises 1:
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is grammar according to Radford (1997)?
a. A collection of words used in a language
b. A set of rules that governs how words are arranged in sentences to form clear meaning
c. A system that regulates how words are grouped in sentences
d. Knowledge of word meanings in a language

2. According to Snow (2010), what is the main role of vocabulary?

a. Helps form well-structured sentences
b. Strengthens the ability to speak or write more richly and accurately
c. Regulates sentence structure in a language
d. Regulates the relationship between words in a sentence

3. What is meant by "receptive vocabulary"?

a. Vocabulary used in speaking
b. Vocabulary understood when heard or read
c. Vocabulary known only in written form
d. Vocabulary understood when speaking

4. According to Swain's Output Hypothesis (1985), correct grammar usage can:

a. Help understand texts better
b. Produce more accurate and effective sentences in communication
c. Automatically increase vocabulary
d. Reduce sentence complexity in a language

5. The influence of grammar on vocabulary is:

a. Grammar enriches the understanding of vocabulary
b. Grammar limits vocabulary usage
c. Grammar and vocabulary do not influence each other
d. Grammar makes vocabulary simpler
Fill-in-the-blank Questions
1. Grammar is a set of rules that governs how words __________ in a sentence to form a
clear meaning.
2. __________ (1991) suggested that understanding grammar can enrich the
understanding and use of vocabulary.
3. In the theory of Generative Grammar, __________ (1957) argued that grammar is a set
of rules that governs the structure of sentences that can be generated by human thought.
4. Mastery of a wide vocabulary allows someone to __________ ideas, emotions, and
information more precisely.
5. According to Grabe (2009), mastery of a wide vocabulary is strongly related to the
ability to __________ faster and better comprehend texts.
Essay Questions
1. Explain the difference between receptive vocabulary and productive vocabulary, and
provide examples of their use in daily life!
2. Why are grammar and vocabulary important in language learning? Explain how they
complement each other in effective communication!
3. Mention and explain 3 main benefits of learning grammar and vocabulary in the
development of language skills!
4. How can understanding grammar enrich the understanding of vocabulary in a sentence?
Provide an example to support your explanation!
5. Based on Hymes' theory (1972), why is mastery of grammar and vocabulary important
in the ability to use language in a social context?