This document discusses the opposing views of descriptivism and prescriptivism in language. Descriptivists believe that all language varies and there is no objective way to establish the superiority of one form. Prescriptivists feel that correctness is important for cultural identity. Applied linguistics must investigate the criteria for correctness and how it is decided, presenting findings relevant to language professionals, while mediating between scientific and emotional perspectives on language. The role of applied linguistics is to understand both views and their practical implications to help solve disagreements over language issues.

1. PRESCRIBING
AND
DESCRIBING
Chapter: 2
Popular and academic views of correctness

2. In language, moving from theory to practice is not an easy task
because there are often opposite and conflicting views about
“correctness” in language use.
There are different attitudes, beliefs and perspectives among
users and experts esp behind children’s learning…

3. Children’s Language at Home and School

4. ◦ Parents more indulgent
◦ Permissive of any deviations (errors) made by
their children (what the child is saying is
idiosyncrasy (unique to an individual)
At Home:

5. At School
◦Children are expected to use language “correctly”
clearly and properly pronouncing the words,
spelling the words correctly, punctuating
properly.

6. What is the “correct form” in language?
Dialects
National
Variations
(USA/UK)
Peer
/friend
groups
Family
practices
Social
Class
Differences

7. The most controversial issue at schools
◦ The standard is generally used in written communication, taught
in schools, and codified in dictionaries and grammar books.
◦ Dialects are regional and social-class varieties of the language
which differ from the standard in pronunciation, grammar, and
vocabulary, and are seldom written down at all.
◦ Do you think the teacher should eliminate these dialectal and
national varieties correcting the parents as well??

8. The teaching of the standard can be viewed in two
quite contradictory ways:
1. On the one hand, it can be unfair for children who
already speak a variety close to it, while simultaneously
denying the worth of other dialects and damaging the
heritage of those who use it.
2. On the other hand, teaching standard form (since it is
used in written communication and has more power
and prestige) it helps to give an equal opportunity to
all.

9. The two facts that support teaching standardized form
of language at schools
• The first fact is that a language-any language-is subject to enormous
variation. There are differences between individuals, social groups,
generations, and nations, and language is used differently in speech and
writing, and in formal and informal situations.
• The second fact is that many people are intolerant of this variation.
They struggle for a single 'standard' way of using the language and care
very deeply about achieving this norm.
However, achieving ‘the correct form’ is not easy as there are
disagreement over trivial matters and it leads to bitter arguments.

10. The role of applied linguistics…
Applied linguistics plays an important role here:
◦ It involves with experts about which forms are acceptable in which
contexts,
◦ It understands the nature of variation/differences in question
◦ Why the differences can be such an emotive issue leading to
arguments.

11. DESCRIPTION
VS
PRESCRIPTION

12. ◦ To solve language related issues specifically disagreements, people turn to the
language experts, that is they appeal to academic linguists.
◦ However, it is not of much help as they describe and explain language
components but not help with the problem involved.
◦ They favour description. That is they say what happens.
◦ We need prescription. That is what should happen!

13. Reasons for Academic views:
Academicians prefer description because:
1. Languages are constantly changing and there is not fixed norm that remains constant permanently.
2. If a single standard form was indisputable and powerful, dialects or national differences in language wouldn't
ever become free and distinct.
3. Dialects are themselves rich and complex in terms of grammar usage and some parts of dialects can also be
found in the standard form.
4. Sometimes dialects are considered the standard if the rich and powerful use it. Later, when the power
changes and goes in to different hands, the language also loses its prestige and other forms gain authority.
5. There is a difference between spoken forms and written forms. Standard is mostly used only in writing and
even the closest variety of spoken has differences.
6. Some forms in standard are created and imposed by grammarians from other language which did not exist
naturally.

15. Applied Linguistics
Linguists concern is knowledge as an end in itself rather than with action based
upon that knowledge. Therefore, they withdraw without providing any solution.
For AL, running away form the problem is not a solution.
◦ Al has the duty to investigate the reasons behind the descriptivists and
prescriptivists.
◦ To think about the practical results of favouring one over the other
◦ And to mediate between public and academic concerns.

17. The Contrasting Views of:
Descriptivists
◦ Descriptivists are passionate believers in an
objective science of language.
◦ Descriptivists tell us, that all language
varies, that all language carries markers of
social identity, and that there is no way of
establishing the relative superiority of a form
of speaking on linguistic grounds, so that
when varieties are preferred or stigmatized it
can only be for sociopolitical or ideological
reasons.
Prescriptivists
◦ Prescriptivists are the language users and
decision makers. They feel that their very
identity and heritage is at stake, and have
an equally strong desire to impose
conformity.
◦ Prescription is a social phenomenon, that is,
different forms of speaking are indeed
privileged or stigmatized. People find
security in stability and resist change, and
proper or correct behaviour, whether
linguistic or not, is inextricably involved with
a sense of cultural identity.
Whatever the merits of the rival arguments for descriptivism and prescriptivism-and there is certainly
a degree of truth on both sides-in many practical activities, it is simply impossible to proceed
without some notion of correct language use!

18. The Role of
A.L.
between
Descriptivists and Prescriptivists
What we need is what is correct.
However, the criteria of correctness may change - and they are more often implicit than explicit - but they must
nevertheless exist.
◦ A major task for applied linguistics is to bring out what these criteria are and how they are decided.
◦ If it is to inform practical decision making, applied linguistics must first investigate what it means to know a language
and to use it well.
◦ It must present its findings in ways which are relevant and useful to professionals such as teachers and speech
therapists.
◦ Ideas about language are constantly shifting, both in the light of new theories and findings, and under the
impact of non-linguistic factors such as demographic and political change. Consequently, applied
linguistics must engage with complicated and disputable areas.
◦ Language cannot be dealt with purely scientific disciplines like physics or mathematics as it has human and
emotional value. At the same time, language learning is not casual and needs research and serious
academic reflection. The task of applied linguistics is to mediate between these two very different
perspectives. This is a difficult task, but this what applied linguistics does and what makes it worthwhile.

19. Prescribing
and
Describing
END of Chapter 2
Dr Afreen Faiyaz