Descriptive grammar primarily focuses on observing and documenting the actual usage of language by its speakers. It doesn’t judge the correctness of language but rather describes its natural flow and evolution. On the other hand, normative grammar prescribes specific rules for how a language should be spoken or written, often based on traditional standards.
From this comparison, we can deduce:
- Descriptive grammar:
- Observes the actual use of language.
- Analyzes the natural evolution and changes in language.
- Describes various linguistic phenomena without judgment.
- Normative grammar:
- Dictates how the language should be used.
- Establishes and enforces linguistic norms and rules.
- Evaluates and, at times, corrects language usage based on set standards.
Examples illustrating descriptive and normative grammar:
- “I’m dead”: In descriptive grammar, this colloquial expression is accepted because it captures the evolving use and connotation of words. However, normative grammar might find the use of “dead” in place of “tired” or “exhausted” to be non-standard.
- “I ain’t going anywhere”: Descriptively, this phrase is recognized due to its widespread colloquial use. But from a normative perspective, it might be deemed incorrect because of the word “ain’t” and the potential double negative. It’s also less accepted in formal written language.
- Voseo (using «vos» instead of «tú» or «usted»): This is a linguistic peculiarity that descriptive grammar acknowledges, especially since it’s standard in places like Argentina. However, in regions like Spain, normative grammar might not recognize it as standard usage.
- Seseo: While this is standard in regions like Latin America, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands, it’s not the norm in other parts of Spain according to prescriptive rules.
In essence, while descriptive grammar captures the vibrant, evolving nature of language, normative grammar seeks to maintain certain standards and traditions.
