PHI 1101 Study Guide - Final Guide: Standard Written English, Linguistic Description, Spoken Language

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHI 1101
• Professor: Devin Shaw

Document Summary

Descriptivism aims to observe english as it is used. It is interested in the perception of: language changes constantly, change is normal, spoken language is the language, correctness rests upon usage, all usage is relative the meaning of words by those who use it. Prescriptivism is normative in that the rules tend to rely on transition. Standard written english (swe) and makes distinctions between superior and inferior forms of language. It is dogmatic and assumes that swe should be the standard, but provides no reason as to why this is the case. In general, prescriptivism is dogmatic, autocratic, and authoritarian. prescriptivism; descriptivism is too relativist and language should be somewhat normative, but prescriptivism is to authoritarian. Dialects are an important aspect of this variety because it allows us to select our target audience and convey the message appropriately and effectively.