Descriptivism.

Descriptivism, in Linguistic terms = is the description, or describing of a language with reference to phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics without value judgement. It describes a language exactly how it is. Linguists document and research language spoken by native speakers with no judgement as to "correct forms".



Leonard Bloomfield is a descriptivist linguist.

"Descriptivism is the belief that description is more significant or important to teach, study, and practice than prescription."

Prescriptivism.

Prescriptivism, in Linguistic terms = how language should be used, instead of how it is actually used. The 'correct' phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics are used. Prescriptivism aims to create a 'standard language' that is 'correct' for society to use. Prescriptivists believe that language only has one correct and standard form.

David Crystal and Jean Aitchison are prescriptivist linguists.

 



Experts, like David Crystal, are aiming to stop the English Language from being "used and abused". Crystal, above, explains his views on the "zero tolerance" approach to language.

Rastamouse Controversy Article

Rastamouse: righteous rodent or rank stereotype?

Rastamouse producer Greg Boardman on the reggae-playing rodent's appeal, reinforcing stereotypes, the show's adult fans – and all those mentions of 'cheese'

 

The Guardian:

http://gu.com/p/2n5kp

 

 

 

 

The language issue is represented very objectively and it allows the reader to decide whether they would like to view Rastamouse as positive or negative. The article opens with a paragraph which includes the line "And, of course, a backlash". The use of this simple sentence tells the audience that it is expected that a new show would receive some criticism and that this show should not be judged badly immediately. This shows the writer is trying not to persuade the audience to think something in particular, if anything he is trying to argue in favour of the show.

 

The writer effectively shapes the readers response by using a semantic field of positivity. The use of various lexis including "pleasingly", "love", and "wonderful" all create a positive representation of the programme and allow the audience to focus on the positive aspects of the show. This semantic field subtly makes the audience feel positive and they will soon begin feeling better about the show, removing any negative feels they may have had before.

 

The writer represents himself as somewhat unsure, and very impartial about the issues raised. He effectively does this by not having any arrogance or certainty about what he is writing. He uses the simple sentence, or clause, "this may be something of an understatement" which retracts what he said previously and gives the readers both sides of the argument.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



BBC Voices.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/voices/yourvoice/poll_results.shtml#A

 

Aims:

To find out how people feel about accents and languages across the British Isles.

 

Methodology:

A poll was conducted from 17th - 26th November by an online survey which received more than 5000 responses from people over the age of 15.

 

Findings and Analysis:

People from the same place as a celebrity preferred their accent, probably due to them sharing similar traits. Sean Connery was found to have the most pleasant accent in this poll, followed by the likes of Moira Stewart and Sir Trevor MacDonald. These people have very iconic and memorable accents, and often require being listened to very carefully. Therefore a lot of thought is put into their accent when they speak.

 

Conclusion:

Celebrities with iconic and similar accents and dialects are preferred.

 

Evaluation:

Celebrities in the public eye may alter their speech for various reasons and therefore we may be judging them one a voice that isn't really theirs.