English as a Language, Not Just Grammar

The speaker initially thought that English was just grammar and rules, but later realized that it is a language, not a set of rules. This realization motivated the speaker to speak English more and strive to improve it. Although the speaker had a solid foundation in grammar, they were self-conscious about making mistakes and constantly analyzed their own and other people's sentences. The speaker describes language learning as a double-edged sword, with the pressure of being correct on one side and the freedom of communication on the other. The speaker's book has a twist where each chapter contradicts the previous one, with one chapter emphasizing the importance of grammar and the next chapter urging readers not to worry about grammar and focus on communication. The book ultimately highlights that language is not just about rules, but also about expressing oneself and making music.