English and a grammarian's responsibility: the present and the future

Abstract

Abstract: The distinction between descriptive and prescriptive grammars is by no means as sharp as is generally assumed. Descriptive grammars need to take account of prescriptive norms in describing how the language functions since they affect choices in at least certain styles. Descriptive grammarians should indeed offer guidance on prescriptive norms, on clarity in written communication, and on linguistic morality. Descriptive grammars embody value judgments on the scope of the grammar. Grammars of English are grammars of the standard varieties of just the United States and Britain because insufficient research has been undertaken on other standard varieties. Research is particularly needed on the language in the Outer Circle of English users where new standard varieties are emerging. Grammarians in those countries have a responsibility to be language planners: to play their part in both describing and shaping standard varieties for their countries. They can thereby contribute to ensuring that their national standards will take their place as constituents of an International Standard English.