Understanding Grammar: Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Approaches
Understanding Grammar
Grammar is a linguistic tool that determines the rules for presenting sentences correctly. Related subfields include syntax, phonetics, morphology, and semantics.
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Grammar
Descriptive grammar is generally preferred by linguists and language scholars. It involves scrutinizing words and sentences based on how they are used in practice. Linguists study everyday usage to identify the rules that govern language, focusing on the realities of communication rather than strict correctness. For a creative piece, such as a novel, poem, or short story, a descriptive approach to grammar can be extremely useful.
Prescriptive grammar is concerned with the rules of grammar as recorded by authoritative sources, such as academic institutions. An individual adhering to prescriptive conventions insists that standardized rules are followed in all written communications. For a formal document, such as a cover letter, a resume, or an email to your boss, you should always ensure that you follow a prescriptive approach.
Grammar in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)
Systemic Functional Linguistics categorizes language through several key systems:
- Lexicogrammar: The system combining lexis (vocabulary) and grammar to create meaning. It involves choices in word selection and arrangement.
- Phonology: The study of the sound system of a language, including intonation, stress, and rhythm.
- Graphology: The study of the written representation of language, including punctuation, capitalization, and layout.
Key Aspects of Lexicogrammar
- Semantic Syntagmatic Structure: The organization of words into structures that carry meaning.
- Systemic Choices: The idea that in any context, there are multiple ways to express an idea based on the systemic nature of language.
- Functional Grammar: Grammar viewed as a tool for making meaning in different contexts, focusing on communicative functions.
- Role of Transitivity: How verbs structure participants and processes (actors, processes, and goals) in a clause.
- Interconnectedness: How systems like mood, theme-rheme structure, and modality work together to convey intention.
- Register Analysis: Examining language varieties used for specific social purposes.
Levels of Analysis
(Descriptive criteria)Three descriptive criteria used to describe grammatical units:Structure: the elements a grammatical unit is made of (words in terms of bases and affixes; groups in terms of heads and modifiers, etc.)Syntactic role: the syntactic function that the grammatical unit performs (or function as a clause component)Meaning: the type of information expressed by the grammatical unit (adverbs, for ex., express information about time, place and manner) GENERIC REFERENCE (central deters)The + sg count noun: They say the elephant never forgetsA(n) + sg count noun: They say an elephant never forgets (restricted use)Zero + pl count noun: They say elephants never forgetZero + mass noun: They say exercise keeps you healthy