answersLogoWhite

0

Descriptive lexicography creates dictionaries according to how people actually write and speak - usually based on the analysis of very large databases of real language (corpora).

Prescriptive lexicography creates dictionaries on the basis of how people *should* write or speak - based on some idealized norms which may or may not be decreed by an institutional language authority such as the Académie Française.

j0hn - lexicographer (descriptive)

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Linguistics

What is the difference between descriptive grammar and prescriptive grammar?

Descriptive grammar describes how language is actually used by speakers, focusing on patterns and rules that are observed in natural language. Prescriptive grammar, on the other hand, prescribes rules and norms for how language should be used based on perceived standards of correctness or appropriateness.


What is the difference between prespective and descriptive linguistics and what do you focus on?

Prescriptive linguistics focuses on establishing rules and norms for "correct" language usage, often prescribing how language should be spoken or written. Descriptive linguistics, on the other hand, focuses on objectively describing how language is actually used by speakers in a particular context, without making value judgments. I focus on descriptive linguistics, studying language as it is used in natural communication.


What is the difference between aprescriptive and adiscriptive approach to language?

A prescriptive approach to language focuses on dictating rules and norms for how language should be used based on traditional standards. An adescriptive approach views language as a dynamic system that evolves naturally, without prescribing any rules or judgments about correct usage.


What are the different linguistic points of view?

The different linguistic points of view include descriptive linguistics, which studies and describes the way languages are spoken and written; prescriptive linguistics, which dictates rules and norms for "correct" language usage; sociolinguistics, which examines the relationship between language and society; and applied linguistics, which focuses on solving real-world language-related issues.


How is Chomsky's theory of Universal Grammar different from a prescriptive grammar or a set of rules?

The fundamental difference between UG and prescriptive grammar is that UG is discovered -- like anything in science. People attempt to find out what the rules are that are shared by all human languages. That's UG. Prescriptive grammar is imposed. It doesn't come from scientific investigation, it comes from random, often nonsensical declarations by self-appointed "experts". UG is discovered. Prescription is made up. That's the difference. That's why one belongs to the realm of science and the other doesn't.

Related Questions

What is the difference between descriptive and prescriptive values?

spelling


What is the difference between descriptive and prescriptive theories?

Descriptive theories aim to describe and explain how things are, based on observation and data. Prescriptive theories, on the other hand, provide recommendations or guidelines on how things should be or how people should act, based on values or norms.


What is the difference between a prescriptive statement and a descriptive statement?

A prescriptive statement suggests what should be done or how things ought to be. It conveys norms, rules, or recommendations. A descriptive statement, on the other hand, describes what is the case or how things currently are without implying any value judgment.


What is the difference between descriptive grammar and prescriptive grammar?

Descriptive grammar describes how language is actually used by speakers, focusing on patterns and rules that are observed in natural language. Prescriptive grammar, on the other hand, prescribes rules and norms for how language should be used based on perceived standards of correctness or appropriateness.


Descriptive grammar and prescriptive grammar?

A descriptive grammar tries to describe the actual structures and forms of a language. A prescriptive grammar is essentially a list of linguistic do's and don'ts.


What is the difference between prespective and descriptive linguistics and what do you focus on?

Prescriptive linguistics focuses on establishing rules and norms for "correct" language usage, often prescribing how language should be spoken or written. Descriptive linguistics, on the other hand, focuses on objectively describing how language is actually used by speakers in a particular context, without making value judgments. I focus on descriptive linguistics, studying language as it is used in natural communication.


What is the difference between a normative theory and a descriptive theory?

A normative theory prescribes how things should be or how people ought to behave, based on values and beliefs. A descriptive theory seeks to explain how things are or how people actually behave, based on observations and empirical evidence. Essentially, normative theories provide moral or prescriptive guidance, while descriptive theories provide explanatory or analytical insights.


What is the difference between figurative language and descriptive?

descriptive is more literal than figuative.


What is the difference between aprescriptive and adiscriptive approach to language?

A prescriptive approach to language focuses on dictating rules and norms for how language should be used based on traditional standards. An adescriptive approach views language as a dynamic system that evolves naturally, without prescribing any rules or judgments about correct usage.


What is the difference between a descriptive adjective and a limiting adjective?

The difference between a descriptive and limiting adjective is that a descriptive adjective adds detail to the noun, while a limiting adjective limit the noun. For more information, please refer to the related link.


What is different between narrative and descriptive essay?

Difference between Narrative Essay And Description


What is the difference between a standard form recipe and a descriptive form recipe?

trhe6c6tshaz