Podcast
Questions and Answers
Explain the difference between prescriptive and descriptive attitudes towards language change, using examples from the text.
Explain the difference between prescriptive and descriptive attitudes towards language change, using examples from the text.
Prescriptive attitudes towards language change desire to preserve and fix language, often judging language use as correct or incorrect. Examples include Jonathan Swift's proposal for a language academy and Bishop Lowth and Lindley Murray's grammatical prescriptivism. Descriptive attitudes describe language usage without judgment, focusing on language change and diversity. An example is Gene Hasen's set of metaphors describing people's anxieties about language use.
Describe the change in Samuel Johnson's attitude towards language as reflected in his dictionary, based on the text.
Describe the change in Samuel Johnson's attitude towards language as reflected in his dictionary, based on the text.
Samuel Johnson initially intended to fix the language with a prescriptive approach, similar to Jonathan Swift. However, as he worked on his dictionary, he realized that language is constantly evolving, likening it to a river that keeps on running. This shift in attitude reflects an acknowledgment of language change and the inability to stop it.
What was Jonathan Swift's proposal for language change, and why was it unsuccessful?
What was Jonathan Swift's proposal for language change, and why was it unsuccessful?
Jonathan Swift proposed the establishment of a language academy in 1712 in an attempt to preserve and fix the English language. However, his proposal was unsuccessful. His desire to fix the language aligns with prescriptive attitudes towards language change, but the academy was not realized.
Who were some key figures in 18th-century prescriptive attitudes towards language change, and what were their contributions?
Who were some key figures in 18th-century prescriptive attitudes towards language change, and what were their contributions?
Signup and view all the answers
What does descriptivism aim to achieve, and how does it differ from prescriptivism in language change?
What does descriptivism aim to achieve, and how does it differ from prescriptivism in language change?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the central difference between prescriptive and descriptive attitudes towards language change?
What is the central difference between prescriptive and descriptive attitudes towards language change?
Signup and view all the answers
Which 18th-century figure proposed the establishment of a language academy in 1712?
Which 18th-century figure proposed the establishment of a language academy in 1712?
Signup and view all the answers
What realization did Samuel Johnson come to regarding language change as he worked on his dictionary?
What realization did Samuel Johnson come to regarding language change as he worked on his dictionary?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary focus of descriptivism in relation to language usage?
What is the primary focus of descriptivism in relation to language usage?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Gene Hasen propose to describe people's anxieties about language use?
What did Gene Hasen propose to describe people's anxieties about language use?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Attitudes Towards Language Change
- Two contrasting attitudes towards language change: prescriptive and descriptive
- Prescriptive attitude: aims to control and regulate language, prescribing what is correct and incorrect
- Descriptive attitude: aims to observe and record language as it is used, without judgment
Samuel Johnson's Attitude Towards Language
- Initially had a prescriptive attitude, aiming to fix the English language
- As he worked on his dictionary, he realized that language is constantly changing and that it's impossible to fix it
- Shifted towards a more descriptive attitude, acknowledging the natural evolution of language
Jonathan Swift's Proposal
- Proposed the establishment of a language academy in 1712 to regulate language
- Unsuccessful due to concerns about government interference with language
18th-Century Prescriptive Figures
- Jonathan Swift: proposed a language academy to regulate language
- Robert Lowth: emphasized the importance of grammar rules and language standards
- Joseph Priestley: believed in the need for language authorities to regulate language
Descriptivism vs Prescriptivism
- Descriptivism: aims to describe language as it is used, without judgment or prescription
- Prescriptivism: aims to prescribe what is correct and incorrect in language
Key Realizations and Proposals
- Samuel Johnson realized that language is constantly changing and cannot be fixed
- Jonathan Swift proposed the establishment of a language academy in 1712
- Gene Hasen proposed that people's anxieties about language use stem from insecurities about social identity
Primary Focus of Descriptivism
- Observing and recording language as it is used, without judgment or prescription
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore modern attitudes towards language change, focusing on prescriptive and descriptive viewpoints. Learn about the desire to preserve and fix language, as well as the historical context of prescriptivism.
