Communication over perfection

I love Spanish for many reasons – the culture behind the language, the roll of the rr, and the unique words (and practices) like sobremesa... which means "over the table" but refers to time spent after a meal, hanging out with family or friends, chatting and enjoying each other's company.

But mostly I love being able to communicate with Spanish speakers. Communication and connection with others is the goal for me and I hope that idea is contagious to my students as well.​I often tell my students that communication is the goal. Getting your point across is what we want! And, oftentimes, we can get our point across without perfect grammar.

For example, if an English-learner walked up to you and said “Me need go bathroom,” would you know what they meant to say? Absolutely! Their point is perfectly clear. They have just communicated effectively without perfect grammar.​

Does that mean we don’t need to learn grammar? No. I will still test my students on grammar! And grammar can help us communicate effectively and elegantly. But, it does mean that we need to focus on being brave and speaking up even if we don’t have perfect grammar.

I want my students to be proud of what they can communicate even if their grammar isn’t 100%.​ Grammar isn’t everything. Communication and connection with other precious humans is the goal! And we can get our point across without perfect grammar.