Lecture 7-Prescriptive v Descriptive Grammar-1

Course Overview

• Course Title: Pedagogic Grammar

• Instructor: Dr. Abdelali Berriche

• Lecture 7 Focus: Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar

Fundamental Dichotomy

• Prescriptive Grammar:

  • Dictates how language should be used.

  • Enforces traditional standards and conventions.

  • Criticized for elitism and potential linguistic discrimination.

• Descriptive Grammar:

  • Observes how language is actually used.

  • Embraces the dynamic nature of language, reflecting its changes across contexts and communities.

  • Validates diverse linguistic expressions.

Importance of the Distinction

• Understanding linguistic evolution.

• Implications for education, linguistics, and sociolinguistics.

• Related discussions on linguistic bias and social hierarchies.

Historical Background of Prescriptive Grammar

• Emerged in the 19th century with the rise of linguistic studies, particularly English.

  • Influential scholars: Rasmus Rask, Jacob Grimm.

  • Foundation for English as a serious academic subject.

• Increase in literacy and popular journalism led to usage guides to clarify language distinctions.

  • Notable Example: Henry Watson Fowler's "Dictionary of Modern English Usage" (1926).

Characteristics of Prescriptive Grammar

1. Set of Rules:

   • Dictates correct language usage.

   • Aims to maintain linguistic purity.

2. Educational Role:

   • Taught in schools for formal writing skills.

   • Guides like The Chicago Manual of Style exemplify prescriptive rules.

3. Social Implications:

   • Provides clarity but can be exclusionary.

   • Often perpetuates biases and privileges certain dialects over others.

Characteristics of Descriptive Grammar

1. Nature:

   • Observational approach to language use.

   • Recognizes dialectal variations and language evolution.

2. Approach to Language:

   • Studies structures and patterns in real usage via methods like corpus linguistics.

3. Emphasis on Diversity:

   • Validates a multitude of linguistic variations reflecting cultural identities.

Impact on Language Education

1. Teaching Approaches:

   • Shift from prescriptive to descriptive grammar promotes inclusivity.

2. Focus on Communication:

   • Recognizes cultural influences and real-world context in language use.

3. Inclusivity:

   • Validates diverse linguistic experiences, particularly beneficial for non-native speakers.

4. Globalization:

   • Prepares learners for diverse communication scenarios through descriptivism.

Criticisms and Debates

• Critique of Prescriptive Grammar:

  • Viewed as elitist, reinforcing linguistic biases, stigmatizing non-standard varieties.

  • Historical critiques: Jonathan Swift's objections to arbitrary rules.

• Contemporary Discussions:

  • Emphasis on leniency versus rigid rule adherence.

  • Importance of ethical communication in culturally diverse societies.

References

• Various academic sources and articles discussing prescriptive vs descriptive grammar.