The second language sub-thread is an interesting one. However, I msut say that it is entirely possible to "play it by ear" in a second language. I am bilingual and can personally attest to the possibility of being equally ignorant (as far as grammar) in two languages. However, I do recall being taught some grammar in various foreign language courses in junior high, high school and college, but I am not fluent in any of those languages. Since foreign language instructions in school were never particularly difficult, I can't quite imagine how much easier it would have been with prior grammar instruction in English.
Thanks for the references - I will check them out.
I totally agree with the bolded. I guess as long as you aren't trying to teach it to someone else, it really doesn't matter so much. I agree about foreign language instruction in school not being very difficult...it wasn't so much learning the language as really feeling fluent. I think for me perfectionism plays a big role here...I just want to sound like a native speaker, and that isn't going to happen no matter how well I might understand the grammar--but blaming it on my lack of instruction in English grammar seemed like a good excuse I guess!
