Prescriptive Grammar and Its Comparison with Descriptive Grammar

Prescriptive grammar and descriptive grammar are two distinct approaches to studying and understanding a language’s structure and usage. Both methodologies serve different purposes and offer unique insights into language analysis. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between prescriptive and descriptive grammar, examine their characteristics, and provide an example of descriptive English usage.

Difference Between Descriptive and Prescriptive Grammar

Prescriptive Grammar:

Prescriptive grammar refers to a set of rules and norms that dictate how a language “should” be used. It aims to establish a standard for language usage, often prescribing what is considered correct or incorrect. This approach is commonly found in language guides, style manuals, and traditional grammar textbooks. Prescriptive grammar tends to uphold established linguistic norms and can sometimes be conservative in its views.

Descriptive Grammar:

Descriptive grammar, on the other hand, focuses on objectively observing and analyzing how a language is naturally used by native speakers. Instead of prescribing rules, descriptive grammar seeks to understand and document the language’s actual patterns, structures, and variations as they naturally occur in real-life communication. It is based on empirical evidence and aims to be neutral and descriptive rather than prescriptive.

Similarities between prescriptive and descriptive grammars

While prescriptive and descriptive grammar have distinct goals and approaches, they do share some commonalities:

Respect for Language:

Both prescriptive and descriptive grammar recognize the importance of language in communication. They acknowledge that language serves as a vital tool for expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas.

Language Evolution:

Both approaches acknowledge that language is not static; it evolves over time. Descriptive grammar captures these changes, while prescriptive grammar may be more conservative and attempt to preserve certain linguistic traditions.

Reference Points:

Both approaches rely on the observation of how language is used in speech and writing. Descriptive grammar uses current usage as its primary reference point, while prescriptive grammar might also refer to historical usage.

What is a descriptive grammar?

Descriptive grammar is a scientific approach to language study that aims to describe how language is used by native speakers in their everyday communication. Linguists and language researchers employ this method to analyze sentence structures, word usage, and linguistic phenomena. Instead of enforcing rules, descriptive grammar seeks to uncover patterns and regularities that emerge from natural language use. This approach provides valuable insights into the diversity and flexibility of language across different contexts and communities.

Difference between descriptive and prescriptive issues

The key difference lies in their objectives. Descriptive issues involve examining how language is genuinely used by native speakers, documenting linguistic structures and variations, and providing insights into language evolution. It seeks to be objective and impartial in its analysis. In contrast, prescriptive issues focus on establishing rules and standards for language usage, often based on traditional norms and notions of correctness. Prescriptive grammar may not always align with actual language usage, as it tends to prioritize convention over linguistic variation.

Characteristics of Prescriptivist and Descriptivist Grammar

Prescriptivist:

• Prescriptivists aim to regulate language use through rules and standards.
• They often adhere to traditional grammar conventions and may resist language change.
• Prescriptivists view certain language features as superior and seek to avoid perceived linguistic errors.
• Style guides and grammar manuals are often associated with prescriptivist viewpoints.

Descriptivist:

• Descriptivists observe and analyze language as it is naturally used by native speakers.
• They recognize the inherent diversity and flexibility of language.
• Descriptivists embrace language change and evolution as natural processes.
• Linguists and researchers often adopt descriptivist approaches to study language scientifically.

Characteristics of prescriptive grammar

Prescriptive grammar exhibits the following characteristics:

1. Rule-based: Prescriptive grammar provides explicit rules and guidelines for language usage.
2. Fixed Standards: It upholds specific language norms and often defines what is considered “correct” or “proper.”
3. Authoritative Sources: Prescriptive grammar is often associated with authoritative language guides and grammar authorities.
4. Focus on Errors: It emphasizes the avoidance of language errors and non-standard usage.

What is an example of descriptive English?

Descriptive English seeks to capture language usage as it occurs naturally, without judgment of correctness. An example of descriptive English is the study of how the word “literally” is used in everyday language. While prescriptive grammar might argue that “literally” should only be used to describe something that happens precisely as stated, descriptive grammar observes that it is frequently used in a figurative sense, emphasizing exaggeration. For instance, a descriptive analysis might acknowledge the phrase “I was so hungry, I literally devoured the entire pizza” as a common and accepted usage, even if it deviates from traditional prescriptive rules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prescriptive and descriptive grammar are two essential approaches to language analysis, each offering valuable insights into the intricacies of language. While prescriptive grammar seeks to establish norms and standards, descriptive grammar aims to observe and document natural language usage without judgment. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two approaches enhances our appreciation of language diversity and helps us navigate language usage in various contexts effectively.