RB

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.