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Abstract: Prescriptive and descriptive methods are applicable in both linguistic research and language learning. These two seemingly contradictory methods combined may contribute a lot to efficient English learning.
Key words: prescriptive, descriptive, English learning In linguistics, there has always been an evident distinction between descriptive and prescriptive methods and linguists tend to support one and oppose the other based on different emphases on language. However, when English learning is concerned, these two methods should be both employed and combined.
1. Prescriptive method
“Prescriptive” is generally understood as “a term used by linguists to characterize any approach which attempts to lay down rules of correctness as to how language should be used (Crystal 2008: 384)”. The prescriptive method in English learning requests strictly following some traditional grammatical rules to judge what is right and wrong. This approach is important for English learners in the following respects.
First, it helps learners speak and write correctly. Chinese and English are different languages in many aspects and it is therefore of primary importance for learners to master some fixed rules. Learners often start learning English under the influence of Chinese, and mistakes of various types are inevitable. For instance, we may probably hear or see the following sentences by learners around us:“I think it is not right” “Although it is cold, but I feel very well.” “He eat a apple an day.” These may seem odd or unacceptable for native speakers of English because of the violation of certain grammatical rules. Nevertheless one can hardly realize why the sentence composed of all correct words is wrong if he/she has no relevant grammatical knowledge. Besides, a well?鄄known mis?鄄translated Chinese saying is: “Good good study, day day up.” We Chinese students my find it natural and familiar and even regard it as the proper English equivalent, but it might appear odd for an American or an Englishman.
Second, grammatical rules of English help to make English learning easier and more efficient. After we have mastered one rule, then we may apply it to various sentences and situations. For example, if we have learned the present tense and understood the sentence “He has a hat”, then we are able to make other sentences like “She has a cat.” “Tom has a car.”, etc. Additionally, the rules turn out to be invaluable in analyzing and comprehending long and complicated sentences and structures.
It can be seen that if we intend to learn English accurately and effectively, we man find it necessary to adopt the prescriptive method. Whereas prescriptive method alone is by no means adequate, so the descriptive method cannot be neglected.
2. Descriptive method
Crystal (2008:139) concludes that “the aim of descriptive linguistics is to describe the facts of linguistic usage as they are, and not how they ought to be, with reference to some imagined ideal state”. The descriptive method in English learning means abiding by linguistic conventions and customs, not merely following grammatical rules.
Descriptive method is indispensable in English learning in that it helps learners speak properly and idiomatically. If a sentence is grammatically right, it does not necessarily make sense or may be awkward, which is a common headache of learners of English. Examples of this sort are abundant:“I had two glasses of red tea” “His death is a bolt from the blue”, etc. Though they are not wrong technically, native speakers of English usually do not or no longer say so. Confined to the traditional rules of English, learners may sometimes find themselves confused and misunderstood. Descriptive study is vital in English learning because we can only use the language appropriately.
3. Conclusion
Prescriptive study and descriptive methods are both applicable in English learning.In reality, these two methods enhance instead of undermining each other. When we are at a loss when we see grammatical rules contradict the practical use, we may turn to descriptive study; under the guidance of grammar and other rules, our use of English becomes precise. Only when we combine prescriptive and descriptive and apply them simultaneously in English learning can we achieve greater progress.
Reference
Crystal, D. 2008. A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics. Oxford: Blackwell
Key words: prescriptive, descriptive, English learning In linguistics, there has always been an evident distinction between descriptive and prescriptive methods and linguists tend to support one and oppose the other based on different emphases on language. However, when English learning is concerned, these two methods should be both employed and combined.
1. Prescriptive method
“Prescriptive” is generally understood as “a term used by linguists to characterize any approach which attempts to lay down rules of correctness as to how language should be used (Crystal 2008: 384)”. The prescriptive method in English learning requests strictly following some traditional grammatical rules to judge what is right and wrong. This approach is important for English learners in the following respects.
First, it helps learners speak and write correctly. Chinese and English are different languages in many aspects and it is therefore of primary importance for learners to master some fixed rules. Learners often start learning English under the influence of Chinese, and mistakes of various types are inevitable. For instance, we may probably hear or see the following sentences by learners around us:“I think it is not right” “Although it is cold, but I feel very well.” “He eat a apple an day.” These may seem odd or unacceptable for native speakers of English because of the violation of certain grammatical rules. Nevertheless one can hardly realize why the sentence composed of all correct words is wrong if he/she has no relevant grammatical knowledge. Besides, a well?鄄known mis?鄄translated Chinese saying is: “Good good study, day day up.” We Chinese students my find it natural and familiar and even regard it as the proper English equivalent, but it might appear odd for an American or an Englishman.
Second, grammatical rules of English help to make English learning easier and more efficient. After we have mastered one rule, then we may apply it to various sentences and situations. For example, if we have learned the present tense and understood the sentence “He has a hat”, then we are able to make other sentences like “She has a cat.” “Tom has a car.”, etc. Additionally, the rules turn out to be invaluable in analyzing and comprehending long and complicated sentences and structures.
It can be seen that if we intend to learn English accurately and effectively, we man find it necessary to adopt the prescriptive method. Whereas prescriptive method alone is by no means adequate, so the descriptive method cannot be neglected.
2. Descriptive method
Crystal (2008:139) concludes that “the aim of descriptive linguistics is to describe the facts of linguistic usage as they are, and not how they ought to be, with reference to some imagined ideal state”. The descriptive method in English learning means abiding by linguistic conventions and customs, not merely following grammatical rules.
Descriptive method is indispensable in English learning in that it helps learners speak properly and idiomatically. If a sentence is grammatically right, it does not necessarily make sense or may be awkward, which is a common headache of learners of English. Examples of this sort are abundant:“I had two glasses of red tea” “His death is a bolt from the blue”, etc. Though they are not wrong technically, native speakers of English usually do not or no longer say so. Confined to the traditional rules of English, learners may sometimes find themselves confused and misunderstood. Descriptive study is vital in English learning because we can only use the language appropriately.
3. Conclusion
Prescriptive study and descriptive methods are both applicable in English learning.In reality, these two methods enhance instead of undermining each other. When we are at a loss when we see grammatical rules contradict the practical use, we may turn to descriptive study; under the guidance of grammar and other rules, our use of English becomes precise. Only when we combine prescriptive and descriptive and apply them simultaneously in English learning can we achieve greater progress.
Reference
Crystal, D. 2008. A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics. Oxford: Blackwell