Prescriptivism is a linguistic approach that emphasizes the importance of adhering to established rules and standards in language use. It advocates for specific norms regarding grammar, spelling, and pronunciation, often promoting a "correct" way of speaking and writing. This perspective is commonly found in educational settings, where teachers may encourage students to follow traditional language conventions. In contrast to descriptivism, which observes and describes how language is actually used, prescriptivism seeks to maintain linguistic purity and clarity. Proponents believe that following these rules enhances communication and preserves the integrity of a language, while critics argue it can stifle creativity and natural language evolution.