Final answer:
Grammar is the set of rules that defines proper language use, including syntax and word forms. These rules allow for orderly communication and vary by language and culture. Over time, as language evolves, new rules and words are incorporated to reflect societal changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grammar defines the rules of what you can and can't do in a language. Language is composed of a lexicon which is its vocabulary, and grammar, which represents the rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, in English, grammar dictates that most verbs receive an "-ed" at the end to indicate past tense. Language is not only about words and their meanings but also about the structure and order of words to create understandable sentences. Despite the complex rules, we naturally acquire language and often abide by its rules without conscious thought. Additionally, language can vary greatly within cultures and over time, incorporating new words like "email," "internet," and "blogging" as society evolves.
However, like mathematics, language has its own system comprised of basic elements such as an object, subject, and action. This system allows us to communicate ideas effectively, regardless of whether the language relies on a set of twenty-six letters like English or over 8,000 characters like Mandarin Chinese. In both cases, these symbols create words and sentences that convey specific meanings, facilitated by variations in tone, inflection, or sequence.
Finally, in modern educational practices, the principle of "Students' Right to Their Own Language" encourages the use of authentic voices and acknowledges the importance of code-switching, which can lead to a more equitable and beneficial learning environment.