Question

Which of the following statements best describes the role of descriptive linguists in countering prescriptive claims about language?

A. Descriptive linguists support prescriptive language rules.
B. Descriptive linguists ignore prescriptive claims.
C. Descriptive linguists actively challenge and counter prescriptive claims.
D. Descriptive linguists have no stance on prescriptive language.

Answer 1

Descriptive linguists actively challenge and counter prescriptive claims about language by studying language as it is used in different contexts and by different speakers.The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Descriptive linguists play an important role in countering prescriptive claims about language by actively challenging and counteracting them.

Unlike prescriptive linguists who advocate for strict language rules, descriptive linguists observe and analyze how language is actually used in different contexts and by different speakers.

They study language variation, dialects, and language change, providing evidence-based insights that challenge prescriptive claims and promote a more inclusive understanding of language.

Descriptive linguists aim to understand and describe language as it is, rather than prescribing how it should be.The correct option is C.