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Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Prescriptivism focuses on setting rules and guidelines for language usage, advocating for "correct" or "proper" forms. Descriptivism studies language as it is naturally used, without making judgments about right or wrong.
Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Prescriptivism and Descriptivism

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Key Differences

Prescriptivism is an approach to language that focuses on rules and norms, establishing what is considered correct or incorrect in a given language. It's the governing principle behind grammar books, style guides, and standardized language tests. Descriptivism, on the other hand, is an approach that seeks to understand language as it is used in practice, without imposing any sort of value judgment about what is correct or incorrect.
Both prescriptivism and descriptivism serve important roles in the study and understanding of language. Prescriptivism helps to maintain a standard form of a language, providing a framework that can be taught and learned. This is particularly useful in educational settings and formal communications. Descriptivism offers a more flexible, realistic view of language, taking into account its evolution and variances across different communities and settings.
However, these two approaches often come into conflict. Prescriptivism is sometimes criticized for being overly rigid and for perpetuating language elitism. It can also be seen as resistant to language change and to the diversity of language use in different cultures or communities. Descriptivism is sometimes criticized for being too permissive, allowing for a breakdown in clear communication and the erosion of language standards.
In many ways, prescriptivism and descriptivism are two sides of the same coin, each providing valuable insights into the workings of language. A balanced view often incorporates elements of both: acknowledging the natural evolution of language as described by descriptivism, while also recognizing the value of some standardized rules as advocated by prescriptivism.

Comparison Chart

Focus

Rules and standards
Natural usage
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Judgment

Makes value judgments
No value judgments

Role in Education

High (Grammar books, tests)
Low (Linguistic research)

Attitude to Language Change

Generally resistant
Accepting

Cultural Influence

May perpetuate language elitism
More inclusive of language diversity

Compare with Definitions

Prescriptivism

Focuses on establishing language rules.
Prescriptivism is evident in traditional grammar books.

Descriptivism

Studies language as it is naturally used.
Descriptivism would examine how people actually speak in casual settings.

Prescriptivism

May be resistant to language evolution.
Prescriptivism often frowns upon newly coined slang.

Descriptivism

Used primarily in linguistic research.
Descriptivism is key in the study of language evolution.

Prescriptivism

Can be elitist in nature.
The prescriptivism in some circles excludes regional dialects.

Descriptivism

Makes no value judgments about language.
Descriptivism aims to understand all dialects without bias.

Prescriptivism

Used in formal education and communication.
Prescriptivism sets the standards for academic writing.

Descriptivism

Inclusive of diverse language forms.
Descriptivism respects both standard and non-standard dialects.

Prescriptivism

Makes value judgments on language use.
Prescriptivism often labels non-standard forms as 'incorrect.'

Descriptivism

Open to language change and variety.
Descriptivism documents emerging language trends.

Prescriptivism

The support or promotion of prescriptive grammar.

Descriptivism

The practice or application of descriptive linguistics, especially in the analysis of grammar.

Prescriptivism

(linguistics) The practice of prescribing idealistic norms, as opposed to describing realistic forms, of linguistic usage.

Descriptivism

(linguistics) The practice of describing realistic forms, as opposed to prescribing idealistic norms, of linguistic usage.

Prescriptivism

The doctrine that acceptable grammatical rules should be prescribed by authority, rather than be determined by common usage.

Common Curiosities

Is prescriptivism bad?

Not necessarily, it serves to maintain language standards, but can be rigid.

Is descriptivism lax about language rules?

Not lax, but it accepts natural variations and changes in language.

What is descriptivism?

Descriptivism studies language as it's actually used, without making judgments.

What is prescriptivism?

Prescriptivism is an approach to language that sets rules for "correct" usage.

Can I be both a prescriptivist and a descriptivist?

Yes, many people use a balanced approach incorporating both viewpoints.

How does prescriptivism affect education?

It sets the standard for what is taught in language classes.

Do linguists prefer descriptivism?

Many do, but there's a spectrum of viewpoints in the linguistic community.

Is descriptivism more modern?

Not necessarily, but it's more accepting of language evolution.

How does descriptivism affect linguistic research?

It provides a realistic framework for understanding language change and diversity.

Can prescriptivism be biased?

Yes, it can perpetuate language elitism and exclude non-standard dialects.

Why is prescriptivism criticized?

It's criticized for being rigid and resistant to change.

Is formal writing usually prescriptive?

Yes, formal writing generally adheres to prescriptive language rules.

How do journalists view descriptivism?

Some journalists embrace descriptivism to capture natural speech in interviews.

Why is descriptivism criticized?

It's criticized for being too permissive, which some believe erodes standards.

How do prescriptivism and descriptivism coexist?

They often act as counterbalances, each providing valuable perspectives on language.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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