Preskriptivists

Preskriptivists, in the context of language, are those who believe in prescribing rules for how a language *should* be used, rather than simply describing how it *is* used. This approach is often contrasted with descriptivism, which aims to document and analyze language as it exists in actual communication. Preskriptivism advocates for a particular standard, often based on tradition, etymology, or the usage of educated speakers, and considers deviations from this standard to be incorrect or inferior.

The preskriptivist view holds that there are objective standards of correctness in language and that these standards should be taught and enforced. This can manifest in grammar guides, style manuals, and educational curricula that explicitly state what is considered proper or improper usage. For example, a preskriptivist might argue against the use of certain colloquialisms in formal writing or insist on specific verb conjugations.

Historically, preskriptivism played a significant role in the development and standardization of many languages. Grammarians and lexicographers often sought to codify language, establishing norms that would promote clarity and mutual intelligibility. However, in modern linguistics, descriptivism is the dominant approach, as it allows for a more accurate and nuanced understanding of language variation and change. While preskriptivist ideas still influence public perception and language education, linguistic analysis generally focuses on describing language use without judgment.