Linguistic Prescriptivism
Linguistic prescriptivism is an approach to language that emphasizes rules and standards for correct usage. Prescriptivists believe there are specific norms that should be followed to maintain clarity and effectiveness in communication. This perspective often involves advocating for traditional grammar, spelling, and punctuation, as well as discouraging slang and colloquialisms.
In contrast to linguistic descriptivism, which observes and describes how language is actually used, prescriptivism seeks to enforce certain linguistic conventions. This approach is often seen in educational settings, where teachers may emphasize proper language use, and in style guides, such as those published by The Chicago Manual of Style or The Associated Press.