Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Prescriptivism & Descriptivism

What is Prescriptivism? 

It is the idea that one group/type of language is superior to all. For example, the RP accent in English is superior too all other accents.

-  Alexis Manaster Ramer

What is Descriptivism? 

It is the idea that language is about what is written and how it is spoken.

- Alexandra D’Arcy

What does Alexandra D'Arcy say?

 "I describe language as actually used and I revel in the differences and variations of language in practice. Despite my proud ancestry, there is no place for prescription in my world." - Alexandra D'Arcy

1 comment:

  1. Some more examples of people who hold prescriptivist and descriptivist views needed.

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