Prescriptivism and Descriptivism:-
Prescriptivism: the idea that one type of language is more superior than others and that it should be imposed on a particular speech community.
Well known prescriptivists:-
- Lynne Truss
- Robert Lowth
- Henry Fowler
Lynne Truss' view on non-standard English- she believes "that she has a sixth sense for bad punctuation, and feels she should revolt against the masses of illiterate people. It irritates her when bad punctuation is used, or non at all." She thinks that it is right to correct those who use grammatical, punctuality and spelling errors. Lynne Truss has a zero tolerance policy towards these errors and non-standard English as a whole.
Descriptivism: it is a non-judgmental view to language and focuses on how it is actually spoken or written.
Well known descriptivist's:-
- David Crystal
- Joseph Priestly
- Samuel Johnson
David Crystal's view on non-standard English- he believes that texting has not been a disaster for language. It is a new variety of language. Texters use deviant spellings, yet some of these already appeared in the Oxford dictionary. The use of non-standard English by texters was to overcome technology issues, and the abbreviations came as a natural response, and is therefore acceptable. Using non-standard English and abbreviations allows people to be linguistically creative in order to create new words that they are able to use, and it is language evolving, but it will not lead to a generation who grow up to be linguistically challenged.
http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/67662/Rastamouse-Most-Controversial-Childrens-Programme-Of-2011
Rastamouse Controversy
1. How is the language issue represented?
This issue is represented as something that is significant, as Rastamouse was named as the most controversial children's TV programme. The article states that the Jamaican patois has encouraged their young children to copy and impersonate what the characters are saying. It also states that it is creating a stereotype among the black society, which therefore led to a numerous amount of complaints from the children's parents.
2. How does the authors represent him/herself and others?
The author uses others opinions within this article to show how people feel about this issue. A BBC spokeswoman said that there had been positive feedback after the showings of Rastamouse, which contrasts what parents, especially mothers, have said on Mumsnet. The author of the article does not give his own opinion regarding this controversy.
3. How does the author shape the readers response? (audience positioning)
The author shapes the readers response by showing two sides of the argument- the positivity of comments that the BBC had received, and the negative comments parents have placed on Mumsnet. The author says that Rastamouse 'spreds love and respect', which shows that she believes that the show is acceptable for children to watch. However, the author describes the number of complaints received as 'inundated', which suggests that they have been overwhelmed by the vast number. This article can give the audience a mixed view of the Rastamouse controversy as she shows both the positive and negative sides.
