Lecture 1.2
“Writing Standard English”
This lecture introduces two key concepts
DESCRIPTIVISM and PRESCRIPTIVISM
– Standard English – the language of prestige and power in much of the world
– Standard English is the set of standards that professional experts have agreed upon
– Is an elastic term
There are two tribes of Grammarian
1. Descriptivists: describe how language is used and how it changes
2. Prescriptivists: prescribe how language ought to be used
Language scholars have argued that humans find meaning in the world by exploring it through their own language. When people write about something they understand and learn it better – the so-called writing/thinking/learning connection
A writing journal will ……..
– Allow you to practice your writing
– Help you to experiment with different styles
– Help you to develop a set of materials
– Help you to share ideas