Prescriptivism and Descriptivism in English Language

Summary

The debate over the pronunciation of 'gif' highlights the broader linguistic discussion between prescriptivism and descriptivism. While prescriptivists advocate for a 'correct' way to use language, descriptivists emphasize understanding and adapting to how language is actually used. Linguists and dictionaries often align with descriptivism, updating to reflect real-world usage. The script discusses the importance of language as a tool for communication, advocating for acceptance of variation and change over strict rules.

Takeaways

• ?Üdd The debate over whether to say 'gif' or 'jif' is a common example of language variation and personal preference.
• ?Üda The argument that language should be understood rather than judged is a key principle of descriptivism in linguistics.
• 📝 Prescriptivism is an approach that dictates how language 'should' be used, often promoting a standard form of English.
• 📞 Descriptivism is a non-judgmental approach that focuses on how language is actually used in speech and writing.
• 📱 The majority of linguists and language authorities, including dictionaries, are descriptive, not prescriptive.
• 📰 The Macquarie Dictionary's update to the word 'misogyny' in 2012 is an example of how dictionaries can evolve to reflect actual language use.
• 📲 Historically, there has been prejudice against certain language varieties, such as Aboriginal English, leading to discrimination.
• 📳 Language varies with time and among speakers, and it's important to be accepting of these variations.
• 📴 The shift towards prescriptivism in areas like 'teen speak' and 'text speak' shows language is constantly evolving.
• 📵 Informal language and slang are becoming more normalized even in formal contexts, reflecting societal changes.
• 📶 Descriptive and prescriptive attitudes towards language can reveal underlying social and cultural beliefs.
• 📷 When writing or speaking, it's more important to use appropriate language rather than striving for an arbitrary 'correctness'.

Q & A

What is the debate surrounding the pronunciation of 'gif'?

The debate is whether to pronounce 'gif' with a hard 'g' sound as in 'gift' or a soft 'g' sound as in 'jiff'. Supporters of 'gif' argue for the hard 'g' because the acronym stands for 'graphics interchange format', while the 'jiff' camp follows the pronunciation of the format's inventor, Steve Wilhite.

What is the more rational argument regarding the pronunciation of 'gif'?

A more rational argument is that as long as the pronunciation is understood, it shouldn't matter how it is said. The focus should be on the communication of meaning rather than strict adherence to a particular pronunciation.

What is the difference between prescriptivism and descriptivism in language study?

Prescriptivism is an attitude that prescribes how language should be used, often promoting standard forms like Standard English. Descriptivism is a non-judgmental approach that focuses on how language is actually used in speech and writing, rather than trying to identify a 'correct' way.

Why is the distinction between prescriptivism and descriptivism important?

This distinction is important because it acknowledges that language is dynamic and changes over time. Descriptivists, including most linguists and dictionaries, adapt to these changes to reflect actual usage, which is crucial for effective communication.

How did the Macquarie Dictionary adapt to changing language use?

The Macquarie Dictionary updated its entry for the word 'misogyny' in 2012 to reflect a broader meaning that includes entrenched prejudice against women, not just hatred, to align with contemporary usage.

What is the impact of language prejudice on certain communities?

Language prejudice can lead to discrimination against people who speak differently, such as Aboriginal English speakers, who have been deemed inferior to European-heritage varieties, impacting areas like courts and hospitals.

Why is it beneficial to accept language variation?

Accepting language variation allows for a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of language. It acknowledges that language is influenced by speakers and evolves over time, rather than being dictated by a static set of rules.

How are new words and phrases created in modern society?

New words, phrases, and ways of speaking are created through the rapid evolution of technology, social media, and political discourse, reflecting the changing nature of communication.

What is the shift towards in the realm of teen speak and text speak?

There is a shift towards prescriptivism in teen speak and text speak, with new words and phrases being created as part of a rite of passage for young people in these evolving fields.

Why is it important not to label certain ways of speaking as 'wrong'?

Labeling certain ways of speaking as 'wrong' can be exclusionary and perpetuate prejudice. Instead, it's more constructive to describe these variations as non-standard uses, which provides a more nuanced understanding of language.

How can the concepts of prescriptivism and descriptivism be used as meta-linguistic tools?

These concepts can be used to analyze opinions about language, identify social and cultural contexts of texts, and inform our own writing and speaking to use appropriate language for different contexts.