#141 What have you heard about language functions? I see this as the idea of using the target language to communicate or convey a message rather than only being able to describe the grammatical structures, patterns and vocabulary. In this episode we are going to take a look at this shift in focus, and sometimes mindset, from a primary focus on grammatical forms to language functions with examples and practical strategies. Topics In This Episode: 3 aspects of communicative language teaching:1. goal is on communicating and doing something with the language2. student-centered3. focused on understanding the message being conveyed by students despite inaccuracy in language form. language functionsfocus is on communicating, student-centered, understanding the message being conveyed by students despite inaccuracy in language formpractical strategies and examples to support our focus on language functionsNovice Levels: Making Language PracticalIntermediate Levels: Expanding CommunicationEmbrace the Shiftnot an either/or when it comes to grammar it’s essential that we embrace this paradigm shift from a focus on grammar and accuracy to a broader emphasis on language functions and authentic communication. ensures that language learning is not just a theoretical exercise, but one that builds proficiency and communicative competence.Blog post on Shifting the Focus from Grammar to FunctionConnect with Joshua and the World Language Classroom Community:  wlclassrom.comX (aka Twitter):  @wlclassroomThreads: @wlclassroomInstagram:  @wlclassroomFacebook:  /wlclassroomWLClassroom Facebook Group__________________________ Interested in having Joshua work directly with your department, school or district?  Look at options for collaborating in person or remotely. ______________________________ Sign up for Talking Points to get  tips, tools and resources for your language teaching. ______________________________ Join Joshua as a guest on the podcast. ______________________________ Join Joshua for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode  on the podcast.