Exam 2: Grammar, Standardization, and Language Authorities

Correct Answer:

Answered by Examlex AI Copilot

Dictionaries, like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), can be seen as examples of both prescriptive and descriptive views of language. On one hand, dictionaries are prescriptive in that they aim to provide a standard or "correct" form of language usage. They often include definitions, spellings, and pronunciations that are considered to be the most widely accepted or authoritative. This prescriptive approach can be seen in the OED's efforts to document and define the "correct" meanings and usage of words.

On the other hand, dictionaries also reflect a descriptive view of language by documenting how language is actually used in practice. They include words and meanings that have evolved over time, as well as regional variations and slang terms. The OED, for example, includes historical usage examples and traces the development of words and their meanings over time, providing a descriptive account of how language has been used in the past.

In this way, dictionaries like the OED can be seen as a combination of both prescriptive and descriptive views of language. They aim to provide a standard reference for language usage while also reflecting the ever-changing nature of language in use.