Why Grammar-oriented?

English education in Japan is often described as being "grammar-oriented."

"Grammar" and "glamour" are etymologically the same, so that grammar is a sort of magic glamour of the language. The "magic" seems to have unshakable and absolute power, the myth dominating the mind of language learners. When learning the second language, it's necessary to conform to the basic of grammatical rule.

However, the grammatical accuracy is not directly connected with a perfect form of "communication." For example, look at the following sentences that are simple and perfect in terms of grammar.

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The girl smiles.
The horse smiles.
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Some might say the latter does not make sense, while some admitting a certain degree of poetic, humourous, or metaphorical interpretation.

What is crucial in communication is not only grammar but also "usage" of each words and expressions. People choose their expression depending on the context in which they are best used, adjusting to the situations and circumstances. Smooth communication is not possible without sharing various types of tacit agreement among speakers.

Regarding the reason why Japanese English education gestures towards a grammar-oriented one, Yoshihiko Ikegami speculates that it is because teacher's side had a limited knowledge of "usage." To them, grammar is "teachable," while "usage" is not, which requires a great amount of experience and practice.    

He goes on to describe the difference between "studying grammar" and "goal of communication" as "an astonishing gap almost to the point of fainting":

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…英語の＜文法＞の規則を身につけるということと、英語教育が目指す目標――つまり、＜コミュニケーション＞のレベルでの英語の適切な運用――ということとの間には気の遠くなるような落差がある。
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Somehow, I feel encouraged and empowered by such mind-boggling gap he refers to.


Works Cited:
池上嘉彦, 『＜英文法＞を考える――＜文法＞と＜コミュニケーション＞の間』ちくま学芸文庫, 1995.