Descriptive Linguistics vs. Prescriptive Linguistics

Attribute	Descriptive Linguistics	Prescriptive Linguistics
Goal	Describes how language is actually used by speakers	Prescribes how language should be used according to rules and norms
Approach	Empirical and observational	Normative and prescriptive
Focus	On language as it is spoken and written	On language as it should be spoken and written
Acceptance of variation	Accepts and studies variation in language use	Discourages variation and promotes standard forms

Introduction

Language is a complex and ever-evolving system of communication that plays a crucial role in human society. Linguistics, the scientific study of language, is divided into various subfields, including descriptive linguistics and prescriptive linguistics. While both approaches aim to understand and analyze language, they differ in their focus and goals.

Descriptive Linguistics

Descriptive linguistics is a branch of linguistics that seeks to objectively describe and analyze how language is actually used by speakers in a particular speech community. This approach focuses on documenting the patterns and structures of language without making value judgments about what is considered "correct" or "incorrect." Descriptive linguists study the sounds, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse of a language to uncover its underlying rules and principles.

• Objective description of language
• Focus on how language is used
• Aim to uncover underlying rules
• Avoid value judgments
• Study of sounds, grammar, vocabulary, and discourse

Prescriptive Linguistics

Prescriptive linguistics, on the other hand, is concerned with prescribing rules and norms for language use based on perceived standards of correctness. This approach often involves the establishment of language norms through dictionaries, style guides, and grammar books. Prescriptive linguists may advocate for certain language forms and discourage others, aiming to uphold a standard of language usage that is considered prestigious or formal.

• Establishment of language norms
• Prescribing rules for language use
• Advocating for certain language forms
• Discouraging non-standard language
• Upholding a standard of language usage

Comparison

Descriptive linguistics and prescriptive linguistics differ in their approach to language analysis and their goals. While descriptive linguistics focuses on objectively describing and analyzing language as it is used by speakers, prescriptive linguistics aims to prescribe rules and norms for "correct" language usage. Descriptive linguistics seeks to uncover the underlying rules and principles of language, while prescriptive linguistics seeks to uphold a standard of language usage based on perceived correctness.

One key difference between descriptive and prescriptive linguistics is their attitude towards language variation. Descriptive linguistics embraces language variation and diversity, recognizing that languages evolve and change over time. Prescriptive linguistics, on the other hand, often views language variation as a deviation from the norm and seeks to standardize language usage.

Another difference between the two approaches is their relationship to language change. Descriptive linguistics acknowledges and studies language change as a natural process that occurs in all languages. Prescriptive linguistics, however, may resist language change and advocate for the preservation of traditional language forms.

Despite their differences, descriptive and prescriptive linguistics can complement each other in the study of language. Descriptive linguistics provides valuable insights into how language is actually used by speakers, while prescriptive linguistics can offer guidelines for effective communication in formal contexts. By combining both approaches, linguists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of language and its role in society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, descriptive linguistics and prescriptive linguistics are two distinct approaches to the study of language that differ in their focus and goals. Descriptive linguistics aims to objectively describe and analyze language as it is used by speakers, while prescriptive linguistics seeks to prescribe rules and norms for "correct" language usage. While these approaches may have different perspectives on language variation and change, they can work together to provide a more comprehensive understanding of language and its complexities.