The main point about the Chapter 11 of “The Third Ear” is that grammar provides us with a structure that is easy to remember, and helps us to communicate effectively more.

By sharing the pilot-Patrick’s first experience of testing flight with the F-16, the author hopes us that when we learn a new language, we can find a structure that is easy to communicate, just like Patrick first looking for the specific ways to control the aircraft.

The specific approach is to notice the cues that people respond to, and pay attention to some important patterns. What seems to stay the same and what seems variable, and then notice the rules further. Building up our understanding over time.

We can also draw up tables to help us memorize these rules.

Grammar is the memory structure in our minds, it can help us systematically organize some specific audibols, and easy to understand and remember.

Grammar also helps us communicate abstract concepts.