“All it seems to take is for someone to tout the message and lots of folks can be convinced that ‘research says ..’ even when research says nothing of the sort.”  (Richard Allington)

Limits of learning: “… there is no reason to believe that a person could consciously master a grammar as a guide to behavior. Noam Chomsky

…if they were to be made conscious (of the principles of universal grammar) there is little doubt that these principles could not be consciously applied in real time to “guide” performance.

“… there is no reason to believe that a person could consciously master a grammar as a guide to behavior

Steven Kaufman's advice about grammar study: “Do not spend your time in a vain attempt to master the language from grammar rules and word lists. You will not enjoy this tedious form of study, and it will not work." Krashen, S. 2017. (TOJELT,2(3),113-119)

Krashen

Oliver James taught himself to read, set out to read 100 books in 2023. He is now a motivational speaker. “It feels like I found my purpose.. I’m finally contributing to the world.” (washingtonpost.com). (Posted by Ashley Hastings,)

- Trump pretending that he's being "persecuted" - Claiming that anyone who crosses him is "vermin" - Praising insurrectionists as patriots & promising to pardon them - A GOP that refuses to condemn any of this. This is a deadly recipe for violence. cnn.com/2024/01/02/us/…

Dear Republicans, Democrats aren’t coming for your guns, we’re coming to give you healthcare, education, childcare, a living wage, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, paid maternity leave, cheap green energy, affordable housing, and safe neighborhoods. Sincerely, The Democrats

Hemingway comments on the importance of revision: "The first draft of anything is shit."

Hemingway on the importance of revisison. "The first draft of anything is shit."

Polyglot Steven Kaufman understands 20 languages "to varying degrees" and he acquired eight languages between ages 61 and 71.

"Whenever I see someone reading a book, especially if it is someone I don't expect, I feel civilisation has become a little safer." Matt Haig. (hat tip. Leslie Farmer)

Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules and does not require tedious drill.

The first time President Obama met with his US Attorneys, he told us, “I appointed you but you don’t serve me. You serve the American people. And I expect you to act with independence & integrity.” None of us ever forgot that. Joyce Alene (University of Alabama Law Professor)

642 people “liked” this post on twitter today: “Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules and does not require tedious drill.” I wonder how many people disagree….

"Tumble out of bed And stumble to the kitchen Pour myself a cup of ambition..." (by Dolly Parton)

If you get this, you are my people

Many activities that help us ACQUIRE (absorb) language are activities many of us like to do, e.g. read for pleasure. But not many of us like studying grammar, (“LEARNING”) & it results in knowledge that hard to understand & use.

Inequality has jeopardized the future of Social Security. As the rich have gotten richer, more and more of their income has escaped the cap on the Social Security payroll tax. We should be focused on fixing this by scrapping the cap, not cutting benefits. Hello?