Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes descriptive linguistics?
Which of the following best describes descriptive linguistics?
- A study of how language is actually used (correct)
- A study of language structure
- A study of how language should be used
- A study of how language was used in the past
What is the main goal of descriptive linguistics?
What is the main goal of descriptive linguistics?
- To objectively analyze and describe how language is actually used (correct)
- To determine the grammatical rules of a language
- To prescribe how language should be used
- To describe reality with preconceived ideas
What is the difference between descriptive and prescriptive linguistics?
What is the difference between descriptive and prescriptive linguistics?
- Prescriptive linguistics focuses on predetermined grammatical rules, while descriptive linguistics focuses on how people actually use language (correct)
- Descriptive linguistics focuses on predetermined grammatical rules, while prescriptive linguistics focuses on how people actually use language
- Prescriptive linguistics studies what a language is like, while descriptive linguistics declares what a language should be like
- Descriptive linguistics is found in education and publishing, while prescriptive linguistics is found in everyday communication
What is the structural approach to language in modern descriptive linguistics?
What is the structural approach to language in modern descriptive linguistics?
What are some methods used in descriptive linguistics to describe a language?
What are some methods used in descriptive linguistics to describe a language?
What is an example of a difference between descriptive and prescriptive grammar?
What is an example of a difference between descriptive and prescriptive grammar?
Who is considered the most well-known scholar of the descriptive linguistic tradition in a Sanskrit community in northern India?
Who is considered the most well-known scholar of the descriptive linguistic tradition in a Sanskrit community in northern India?
When did the description of modern European languages begin?
When did the description of modern European languages begin?
What is the first critical step of language description?
What is the first critical step of language description?
What is schedule controlled elicitation?
What is schedule controlled elicitation?
What is the difference between a descriptive grammarian and a prescriptive grammarian?
What is the difference between a descriptive grammarian and a prescriptive grammarian?
When did linguistic description as a discipline really take off?
When did linguistic description as a discipline really take off?
Which of the following is NOT a type of analysis controlled elicitation discussed in the text?
Which of the following is NOT a type of analysis controlled elicitation discussed in the text?
What is the purpose of building a corpus in linguistic research?
What is the purpose of building a corpus in linguistic research?
Which of the following is NOT a goal of linguistic description according to the text?
Which of the following is NOT a goal of linguistic description according to the text?
What is the focus of phonology in linguistics?
What is the focus of phonology in linguistics?
What is the difference between schedule-based elicitation and analysis controlled elicitation?
What is the difference between schedule-based elicitation and analysis controlled elicitation?
What is the purpose of stimulus driven elicitation in linguistic research?
What is the purpose of stimulus driven elicitation in linguistic research?
What is the focus of lexicology in linguistics?
What is the focus of lexicology in linguistics?
What is the standing challenge of grammar writing according to the text?
What is the standing challenge of grammar writing according to the text?
Flashcards
Descriptive Linguistics
Descriptive Linguistics
Analyzes and documents language use, prioritizing observation over imposed rules.
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
Records language as it is, while prescriptive linguistics dictates how it should be.
Structural Approach
Structural Approach
Focuses on understanding language structures like syntax, phonetics, and morphology in natural contexts.
Language Description Methods
Language Description Methods
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Descriptive Grammar
Descriptive Grammar
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19th Century Linguistics
19th Century Linguistics
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Who is Panini?
Who is Panini?
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Formal Linguistic Description
Formal Linguistic Description
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Building a Corpus
Building a Corpus
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Stimulus Driven Elicitation
Stimulus Driven Elicitation
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Phonology
Phonology
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Lexicology
Lexicology
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Challenge in Grammar Writing
Challenge in Grammar Writing
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Study Notes
Descriptive Linguistics Overview
- Descriptive linguistics focuses on analyzing and documenting how languages are used in practice, emphasizing observation over rules.
- The main goal is to provide an accurate representation of a language's structure and use without imposing normative rules.
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Linguistics
- Descriptive linguistics records and describes language as it exists, while prescriptive linguistics dictates how language should be used.
- A descriptive grammarian observes and describes language patterns, whereas a prescriptive grammarian enforces concrete rules on language use.
Structural Approach in Modern Descriptive Linguistics
- Emphasizes understanding language structures and patterns, focusing on syntax, phonetics, and morphology in their natural context.
Methods for Describing Languages
- Utilizes a variety of methods including participant observation, fieldwork, and audio recordings to capture authentic language use.
- Schedule controlled elicitation involves structured questionnaires to gather linguistic data from speakers.
Examples and Milestones
- A key example contrasts descriptive grammar, which documents language variations, with prescriptive grammar, which may penalize those variations.
- The description of modern European languages began significantly in the 19th century, marking a move towards academic linguistics.
Influential Figures and Key Developments
- Panini is considered the most prominent scholar in the descriptive linguistic tradition within the Sanskrit community of northern India.
- Linguistic description as a formal discipline gained substantial traction in the early to mid-20th century.
Specific Techniques and Challenges
- Building a corpus in linguistic research serves to create a comprehensive database for analyzing language patterns.
- Schedule-based elicitation contrasts with analysis controlled elicitation, which is focused on specific linguistic phenomena rather than broad data collection.
- Stimulus driven elicitation aims to evoke natural language responses from participants, enhancing authenticity in data collection.
- Phonology focuses on sound systems and their patterns, while lexicology deals with the meanings and structures of words.
- The standing challenge in grammar writing is to approach the complexities and variations of human languages without oversimplifying or misrepresenting them.
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