Prescriptivism
Prescriptivism is the attitude or belief that one variety of a language is superior to others and should be promoted as such. A key aspect of traditional grammar, prescriptivism is characterized by a concern for "good," "proper," or "correct" usage. Contrast with descriptivism.
Definition of Descriptivism:
Descriptivism is the study of the grammar, classification, and arrangement of the features of a language at a given time, without reference to its history or comparison to other languages.
A list of Prescriptivists:
- Henry Watson Fowler
- Shadyah A. N. Cole
- Geoffrey Nunberg
A list of Descriptivists:
- Merriam-Webster
- Dr. Alexandra D'Arcy
- David Crystal
Why? - Prescriptivist
Henry Watson Fowler - These grammars were a formative influence
on language attitudes in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Their influence lives on in the handbooks of usage widely found today, such as A Dictionary of Modern English Usage
(1926) by Henry Watson Fowler (1858-1933), though such books include
recommendations about the use of pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary as
well as grammar."
Why? - Descriptivist
Merriam Webster - I was learning lots of rules about grammar and usage and style, but before I had gotten into my major classes in English language, which introduced me to a much more descriptivist approach.
Why? - Descriptivist
Merriam Webster - I was learning lots of rules about grammar and usage and style, but before I had gotten into my major classes in English language, which introduced me to a much more descriptivist approach.
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