When studying English Language, you may come across the terms 'descriptivism' and 'prescriptivism'. This article will focus on prescriptivism, which dictates how language should be used.
Prescriptivism and descriptivism are two opposing perspectives on language, Pixabay
But what exactly does prescriptivism mean?
Prescriptivism is the belief that one form of language is superior and should be followed, while others should be avoided. It enforces strict rules on language use, declaring certain words, phrases, and grammar as 'correct', and others as 'incorrect'.
Prescriptivism is commonly associated with Standard English (or the standard form of other languages) and is often favored by institutions promoting it.
Fun fact: Prescriptivism prescribes language usage.
Now, let's dive deeper into the concept of prescriptivism:
Those who advocate for prescriptivism are known as having a prescriptivist attitude or simply referred to as prescriptivists. They prioritize how language should be used rather than how it is used in everyday communication.
In England, a linguistic prescriptivist would promote the use of Standard English and possibly Received Pronunciation (the accent associated with English home counties), which is considered the 'standard' form of the language.
Prescriptivism stands in contrast to descriptivism, which takes a non-judgmental, evidence-based approach to analyzing language use.
To better understand prescriptivism, let's look at some examples of how it is applied:
Prescriptivism is most commonly utilized in fields that require a standardized approach to language use. Some examples include:
In these fields, there is a need for a 'correct' and consistent use of language.
When examining prescriptivism in the context of A-Level English Language, it's essential to consider its advantages and disadvantages as an approach to language.
Let's explore the pros and cons of prescriptivism below:
Prescriptivism has its advantages, but there are also several drawbacks to this approach:
While prescriptivism has its merits, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations and explore alternative methods of studying language, like descriptivism.
The approach of descriptivism, which focuses on analyzing different language varieties and dialects used in everyday communication, offers a more comprehensive understanding of language use worldwide compared to prescriptivism. While prescriptivism emphasizes enforcing linguistic correctness, it may not accurately represent the diverse languages spoken around the world.Prescriptivism, also referred to as linguistic prescriptivism, promotes the belief that one form of language is superior and should be upheld as the standard. This approach imposes rules on language use, labeling certain words, phrases, and grammar as "correct" or "incorrect." Supporters of prescriptivism, also known as prescriptivists, often prioritize dictating how language should be used.This approach is commonly applied in educational settings, publishing, style guides, and professional environments. It provides consistency in these fields and can be beneficial for language learners. However, prescriptivism has its limitations. It often disregards the historical and social contexts in which languages evolve, making its application superficial. Thus, it may not provide an accurate representation of language use worldwide compared to the more inclusive approach of descriptivism.The strict emphasis on linguistic correctness in prescriptivism has resulted in negative effects on language use. It fails to acknowledge the diversity of language varieties and their cultural significance. Moreover, it can be used to devalue non-standard forms of language, leading to damaging stereotypes. Additionally, prescriptivism often discourages the use of slang and colloquialisms, limiting the expressive capabilities of language.In conclusion, prescriptivism and descriptivism offer conflicting perspectives on language use. However, it is important to recognize the value of both approaches and their impact on language diversity and evolution.