This book explores a domain of discourse processing referred to as 'interactive grammar', based on an analysis of grammatical descriptions of over 100 languages spoken across the world. While much previous work has treated interactive grammar as a fairly marginal part of language, Bernd Heine describes it here as a distinct category that contrasts with sentence grammar both in its functions and its structural behavior. He identifies ten types of interactives - i.e. extra-clausal expressions of linguistic discourse: attention signals, directives, discourse markers, evaluatives, ideophones, interjections, response elicitors, response signals, social formulae, and vocatives. The analysis reveals that speakers make use of two contrasting modes for structuring their discourses, both of which are needed for successful communication: one is sentence grammar, which has a propositional format and analytic organization; the other is interactive grammar, which has a holophrastic organization and a focus on social communication. While the argument structure of sentence grammar is shaped by the propositional format of sentences, that of interactive grammar is shaped by the indexical nature of the situation of discourse. This distinction shows interesting correlations both with findings from neurolinguistic studies on differential activity in the two hemispheres of the human brain, and with observations from social psychology on the differences between systems of reasoning and judgment.

Beginning Interactive Grammar is intended for adults and older teenagers in the beginning stages of language learning. It has been written for both students and teachers to use in a classroom setting. Grammatical explanations as well as communicative activities and more traditional exercises are included. The materials aim to foster a supportive, nonthreatening atmosphere in which learners will feel comfortable enough to engage freely in conversations with one another and with the teacher. The overall goal is to maximize the opportunities for communication by providing the learners with both the means and the motivation for practice.

This book contains material for a wide variety of games.

Intermediate Interactive Grammar is intended to be used by adult or teenage learners who have acquired basic grammar and language functions in English. It is intended for use in a classroom setting. The text includes a wide variety of speaking, reading, and writing activities to promote fluency as well as some traditional exercises which focus on the development of grammatical accuracy.

Fully updated to help teachers deal with the new 2016 Grammar Tests, this second edition presents a collection of simple to use, multi-sensory games and activities that will jumpstart pupils’ understanding of grammar in action It includes coverage of the subjunctive and past progressive, selecting which tense is the most definite, identifying when a word is used as a subordinating conjunction/preposition, explaining how a comma can change meaning, and an increased emphasis on the passive. Jumpstart! Grammar will prepare children for any grammar tests on the horizon in an engaging way so that they love playing with words and spinning sentences to make ideas dance. And, of course, they will be able to name the parts if that is what is required. Fun games will focus first on helping children hear the difference various types of grammar can make followed by activities to help them understand what different effects you can create with grammar. Technical terms will only be introduced once the children have established what the various features can do, with a particular focus on those terms that really help children discuss what makes language coherent and effective. This indispensable, practical book celebrates the joys of language and coherent expression; of finding just the right words or phrases to express what you want to say.