This A-Level English Language AQA Essay covers the Language Change topic of the course, and achieved an A*. The essay title is: 'Evaluate the idea that language change is beyond prescriptivist jurisdiction'. This is perfect for Year 12 and 13 students currently studying AQA A-Level English Language.
Section A: Diversity and Change
Evaluate the idea that language change is beyond prescriptive jurisdiction.
(30 Marks)
Any language, whether it be English or otherwise, are never static in their development through time.
They constantly morph, mould and adapt to the society it is spoken in and to the people who speak it. The
English language should be beyond prescriptive jurisdiction, past the control of prescriptivism, however it
is still something that has to be dealt with. The idea that we should continue to use language how it was
‘prescribed’ is a post-hoc rationale that doesn’t reflect the arguably more progressive society we live in
today.
The English language has arguably been tainted by prescriptive attempts at jurisdiction and control for
centuries. The idea that the language could be standardised was one held by 17th Century Grammarians
Bishop Robert Lowth- who claimed that we should ‘be rid of all vulgarisms’ - and, most notably, Dr Samuel
Johnson who created the renowned Dictionary (in 1755) that attempted to standardise the language for
good. The dictionary would attempt to standardise both the orthography and phonology of words and
ultimately provide for better communication. However his pedagogical approach and prescriptive ideology
were later reversed as he concluded it was “too difficult” to control language- as one dictionary is
published, it is immediately ‘outdated’. Therefore, this reinforces that the English Language- albeit not
beyond prescriptive jurisdiction, currently- there are reasons why such jurisdiction is difficult to maintain.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller cloisterwraith. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.18. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
