Definition and Examples of Prescriptivism

Definition and Examples of Prescriptivism Prescriptivism is the attitude or belief that one variety of a language is superior to others and should be promoted as such. Also known as  linguistic prescriptivism and purism.  An ardent promoter of prescriptivism is called a prescriptivist or, informally, a  stickler. A key aspect of traditional grammar, prescriptivism is generally  characterized by a concern for good, proper, or correct usage. Contrast with descriptivism. In a paper published in Historical Linguistics 1995, Sharon Millar defined prescriptivism as the conscious attempt by language users to control or regulate the language use of others for the purpose of enforcing perceived norms or of promoting innovations (Language Prescription: Success in Failures Clothing).Common examples of prescriptive texts include many (though  not all)  style and usage guides, dictionaries, writing handbooks, and the like.   Observations [Prescriptivism is the] policy of describing languages as we would like them to be, rather than as we find them. Typical examples of prescriptivist attitudes are the condemnation of preposition stranding and of the split infinitive and a demand for Its I in place of the normal Its me.  (R.L. Trask, Dictionary of English Grammar. Penguin, 2000)A prescriptive grammar is essentially a manual that focuses on constructions where usage is divided and lays down rules governing the socially correct use of language. These grammars were a formative influence on language attitudes in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their influence lives on in the handbooks of usage widely found today, such as A Dictionary of Modern English Usage (1926) by Henry Watson Fowler (1858-1933), though such books include recommendations about the use of pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary as well as grammar.  (David Crystal, How Language Works. Overlook Press, 2005)I think sensible prescr iptivism  ought to be part of any education.(Noam Chomsky, Language, Politics, and Composition, 1991.  Chomsky on Democracy and Education, ed. by  Carlos Peregrà ­n Otero. RoutledgeFalmer, 2003) Verbal Hygiene [T]he overt anti-prescriptive stance of linguists is in some respects not unlike the prescriptivism they criticize. The point is that both prescriptivism and anti-prescriptivism invoke certain norms and circulate particular notions about how language ought to work. Of course, the norms are different (and in the case of linguistics they are often covert). But both sets feed into the  more general arguments that influence everyday ideas about language. On that level, description and prescription turn out to be aspects of a single (and normative) activity: a struggle to control language by defining its nature.  My use of the term verbal hygiene is intended to capture this idea, whereas to use the term prescriptivism would just recycle the opposition I am trying to deconstruct.  (Deborah Cameron, Verbal Hygiene. Routledge, 1995) Language Wars The history of prescriptions about Englishof grammar texts, manuals of style and O tempora o mores-type laments- is in part a history of bogus rules, superstitions, half-baked logic, groaningly unhelpful lists, baffling abstract statements, false classifications, contemptuous insiderism, and educational malfeasance. But it is also a history of attempts to make sense of the world and its bazaar of competing ideas and interests. Instinctively, we find the arbitrariness of existence hard to accept. Our desire to impose order on the world, which means inventing the forms of language rather than discovering them, is a creative act. Furthermore, the quarrel between descriptivists and prescriptivists ... is a sort of mad confederacy: each party thrives on lambasting the other.   Ã¢â‚¬â€¹(Henry Hitchings, The Language Wars. John Murray, 2011) The Problem WIth Prescriptivists [G]eneral ignorance of grammar allows prescriptivists to impose nonsensical mandates and allows test-makers and test-takers to focus primarily on superficial error in language use.​(Martha Kolln and Craig Hancock, The Story of English Grammar in United States Schools. English Teaching: Practice and Critique, December 2005) Pronunciation: pree-SKRIP-ti-viz-em

Portland Road Improvements regarding ADA curb cut outs and improvement

Portland Road Improvements regarding ADA curb cut outs and improvement Description This work plan involves the planning of how ADA curb cut outs and improvements are to be carried out at Portland Road Improvements. This is a job that involves improvement of roads and footpaths.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Portland Road Improvements regarding ADA curb cut outs and improvement specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The various workers in the engineering firm will be assigned the duties which, they are required to carry out. They will also be given the time frame within which they are supposed to complete the jobs. This is important in that it will enable timely completion of the job. Background Work plan is one of the most important activities in an organization. Organizations need to complete their activities in sated time so as to ensure satisfaction to all stake holders. Failure to complete their activities within the stipulated time may lead to losses. Customers loose faith in them and walk away or they maybe dissatisfied and they will not come back another time. It is for this reason that the topic was chosen. Work at Portland Road Improvements need to be planned well so as to ensure timely completion. Media that the presentation will be completed The representation of the work plan will be done on a PowerPoint. This is because PowerPoint can be viewed by a large group of people at a time and it is cheaper in terms of cost as compared to video and other media. On the other hand, it is easy to prepare a PowerPoint and it tikes less time as well. Activities to be completed A research is essential before any work is started. This will help in acquiring information on the work that is to be carried out hence; the firm will be able to carry out the job in the right manner. In carrying out the research, a literature review can be conducted to know what has been written in the past regarding the job the firm is about to carry out. Then an interview can be carried out. T he purpose of an interview is to gather more information from those who may have knowledge of the job. Once exploratory information has been gathered, a draft can be prepared, and then rehearsed before a final representation is done.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Roles of the group members For timely completion of the activity, roles are to be delegated to group members. Some members will be required to carry out the research and the literature review. The other group will be required to carry out the interview. The third group is to prepare a draft. The rehearsal will be carried out by all the group members as well as the final representation. Communication strategy The entire group will be meeting in a weekly basis to review the progress. In the meeting, members will also be required to report any problem they encounter and possible solutions generated by the g roup. Communication about the meeting will be through phone and mail. Resources required For effective completion of the activity, the group will need to have internet resources to assist them in their research, as well as, questionnaires which will assist them in data collection during interviews. Computers and maybe a projector will be crucial for PowerPoint presentation. The members might require some cash for travelling purposes. Risk assessment This topic is very important and need to be successfully completed. If it fails to be completed, the implications could be devastating since it could lead to failure of the entire project. It is therefore, important that the group complete the topic successfully.

Describing Sizes and Dimensions in Spanish

Describing Sizes and Dimensions in Spanish Here are three common ways to express measurements in Spanish. Deciding which ones to use is largely a matter of personal preference since they are interchangeable in most cases.   1. Medir   This verb, which is conjugated irregularly, generally means to measure. Examples: Mido cinco pies y cinco pulgadas de alto. (I measure 5 feet, 5 inches tall.) Los cientà ­ficos hallaron un fà ³sil que mide dos metros de largo. (The scientists found a fossil that measures two meters long.) 2. Tiene This verb literally means to have. It can be used to directly indicate dimensions. It also is conjugated irregularly. Examples: El centro comercial tiene tres kilà ³metros de largo. (The commercial center is three kilometers long.) Si antes tenà ­a cinco metros de profundidad, ahora tiene dos. (If it was five meters deep before, its now two meters.) 3. Ser de This is the rough equivalent of saying in English that something is a certain size. Note the use of the preposition de, which is not translated to English. This method of describing dimensions is less common than the other two. Examples: El rea es de 160 metros cuadrados. (The area is 160 square meters.) Las dimensiones del nuevo almacà ©n son de 25 por 70 metros, y la altura es de ocho metros. (The horizontal dimensions of the new warehouse are 25 by 70 meters, and its height is 8 meters.)

The Natural Disasters Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Natural Disasters - Essay Example These two cases were of great significance to the governments of both nations and hence elicited responses as they occurred. The earthquake that took place in Italy provoked the government to declare a state of emergency and it dedicated all its attention towards the earthquake and the effect it had on the general Italian populace e.g. the prime minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi decided to cancel an official visit to Russia in order to pay a visit to and assess the area that had been hit by the earthquake. Such a declaration was not made in China. Relevant government officials undertook an assessment of the area and immediately got into directing their efforts towards combating the effects of the disaster and looked into disaster preparedness. It has been recorded that Italy had been warned of the earthquake by a seismologist but the government had decided to ignore it and decided not to act on it. China embarked on the mass disposal of the bodies and influenced the DNA tests that were meant to assist with the identification of the bodies yet Italy’s engagement in this is unknown. The governments of the two countries embarked on resettling the survivors and the displaced persons to areas of safety and took measures to ensure the people stayed off the affected areas to avoid the possibility of accidents and to maximize safety. The displaced persons were offered tents, food, and water among others. Both countries also arraigned necessary services e.g. medical, temporary academic and water, at the campsites.

Summary Assignment-See Instruction Please Assignment

Summary -See Instruction Please - Assignment Example In my opinion, cultural pluralism has brought more good than bad to all. It creates uniqueness in most areas. Most of the minor cultures, tend to live in the same areas and cities. This way, cities are diversified. Different cities are known for different kinds of things and the environment changes per city due to the difference in cultures of people. Food for example diversifies cultures as different groups eat different kinds of things. The culture to where people belong, for example Hindu, Mexicans, African American, identifies them with the kind of food they prefer eating and their origin. This kind of variety is beneficial to the states. This way, different food places and restaurants serve foods according to culture. Politically, the diversity in culture has enabled the representation of all minorities in the government. Representation of all minorities is vital as it ensures none of the citizens are left out due to their culture or beliefs(Jucan 2010). This is important as the government thus includes the ideas of many into consideration and creates a wide range of options in decision making. In the congress for example, the representation of all cultural groups ensures that all people and their ideas are aired and looked into by the state. This way, the country has peace and harmony as all groups and their cultures are well represented politically. Pluralism has created so many types of representation in arts. The kinds of music found and originating from America are impeccable. Different groups have different kinds of music in a wide range of languages. This is beneficial as it creates a uniqueness in the artistic world of the whole state. This way, artists and musicians can present themselves to the world with respect to their culture. The existence of pluralism is thus important as it creates identity for all, in the artistic world. Religion is a sensitive part of everyone’s lives. It identifies people

The sports industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The sports industry - Essay Example a sport or entertainment source, but also as an economic tool, the levels of professionalism, the industry’s profitability and income improvement levels in various nations where the sport is recognized and respected has risen tremendously. Primarily, the value of sports is a crucial topic for anyone trying to understand this industry must review. Considering a study by Deloitte, which was conducted first in 1992, and the last time it was conducted in 2013, the football industry has grown by 14 times from its initial  £170 million to its current value, estimated to be  £2.3 billion. Such growth levels indicate that this is probably one of the greatest drivers of the economy. In Europe, the football industry is one of the biggest industries with even venture capitalists investing in it. The value of the football industry has changed over a short period of time and this can be attributed to a number of features which range from exposure to increase in global interest in the sport (Sports Business Group, 2013). This growth in profits and revenues is not only accounted for by ticket sales, but also from endorsements from other companies and the invisible aspect of how much the football industry has improved other industries as well. Pay TV, for instance, is one of the industries that has greatly benefitted from football, with the increase in numbers of viewers and the development of more programs for the game. Media companies such as Super-Sport, ESPN, SKY sports and ITV digital are some firms that have reaped profits from football seasons impressively. Commercialization of the industry has also boosted its value appreciably. In 2012, the premier league was ranked as one of the highest grossing organizations in the UK. In just a mere season, the domestic rights for the broadcasting of soccer games were sold for over  £ 1 billion per year, which amounts to 18% of all domestic media rights in the UK. Secondly, the game attendance levels for the previous season were

Peter the Great's Reformation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Peter the Great's Reformation - Essay Example Peter instituted state wide reformation from military ranks to beard taxation, all of which helped Westernize Russia. These westernizing reformations forced Russia modernize, and adoption of European culture whether the people liked it or not. Peter the Great's most significant changes to the state were the improvements to the Russian military and also the expansion of the Russian industry. Throughout his reign, Peter the Great's ambitious westernizing reformation of the Russian military and industry transformed Russian into a strong and well respected European power at the expense of the countries laboring serfs. After the crushing defeat against the Swedish at the Battle of Narva, Peter the Great realized he had to reform the Russian military they wanted to stand a chance against the European powers. Although Peter's army was very large the soldiers were in sufficiently trained and inadequately equipped (Hosking). Peters officers and soldiers were not accustomed to fighting the European style battles involving open field. Peter knew that if he wanted match the European powers he needed to teach his officers western military tactics, modernize the weaponry for the soldiers, and raise funds to apply these changes. Peter also adopted European style uniforms for his army to express formality and contention to the Western powers. With this large, formal, advanced, and educated army, Russia could safely protect its newly acquired lands, contest European powers such as Sweden.