Prescriptivism
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.
Descriptivism
A nonjudgmental
approach to language that focuses on how it is actually spoken and
written. Contrast with prescriptivism.
Well
known:
Descriptivist's
·
Alexandra D’Arcy
·
Merriam-Webster
Prescriptivist's
·
Shadyah A. N. Cole
·
Geoffrey Nunberg
Alexandra D’arcy
As a sociolinguist, D'Arcy says,
"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."
Geoffrey Nunberg.
Geoffrey Nunberg’s
counsel in The Decline of Grammar (1983) still holds: discussion of the
problems of grammar and their social importance “should be well informed, it
should be nonpartisan, and it should be backed by a measure of courage and
tolerance”.
