THE EVOLUTION OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR: DESCRIPTIVE VS. PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACHES
Abstract
Annotation: This article by the author examines the ongoing discourse between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to English grammar, exploring their historical origins, development, and educational implications. Prescriptive grammar, rooted in the 18th century, emphasizes linguistic rules to maintain standards of "correctness," which was historically used to signify social status and education. Conversely, the descriptive approach, gaining traction in the 20th century, advocates understanding language as it is naturally used, embracing variations that reflect cultural and social diversity. Through a comparative literature review, the author highlights key shifts, including the role of technological and cultural changes in evolving language use. The article suggests that a balanced approach, incorporating both prescriptive rigor and descriptive flexibility, is ideal in contemporary education, promoting clarity while respecting linguistic diversity. This comprehensive study provides educators and students with insights into English grammar's dynamic nature and its role in effective, adaptable communication.
References
REFERENCES:
Nwoko, C. N. (2020). Prescriptive Grammar and Others: Which Is the Most Appropriate Paradigm for the Contemporary Learner and User of the English Language?
Anderwald, L. (2018). Empirically charting the success of prescriptivism: Some case studies of nineteenth-century English .
Peters, P. (2020). English usage: Prescription and description. In The handbook of English linguistics . Wiley Online Library.
Hodson, J. (2006). The problem of Joseph Priestley's descriptivism. Historiographia Linguistica. Retrieved from
