Rules and Reality: How Competing Views Shape the Way We Use Language
From The Observatory
Language is one of the most powerful tools humans have. It allows us to share ideas, build communities, and express our identities. Unlike other forms of communication in the animal world, human language is limitless—we can combine words in countless ways to create new meanings. This ability, called recursion, lets us form sentences that could go on forever.
But when did language begin? Researchers don’t fully agree. Some believe spoken language started about 70,000 years ago, while others argue it could be as old as 135,000 years. What we do know is that language has always evolved. Today, there are more than 7,000 languages spoken and signed across the globe, though many are endangered. Language shifts with culture, history, and technology, reminding us that it is a living, social system.
This leads to a big debate: Should we describe language as it is, or prescribe how it should be used? Descriptivism simply observes language in practice, while prescriptivism sets rules for “correct” use. Both play a role. Dictionaries, for example, combine the two—defining standard spellings and meanings but also recording new words as they emerge, like “unfollow” or “vape.”
Prescriptivism can be useful in contexts like second-language learning, formal writing, or inclusive language that shows respect for identity. However, too much focus on strict rules can promote discrimination and gatekeeping. Descriptivism, on the other hand, honors diversity by recognizing that real people use language in many different ways.
In the end, neither approach is “better” on its own. What matters most is context, intent, and respect. If the meaning is clear, insisting on rules may not be necessary. By balancing descriptivism and prescriptivism, we can appreciate language both as a system of rules and as a reflection of human creativity and diversity.
Read the full article “Rules and Reality: How Competing Views Shape the Way We Use Language” by Danica Tomber
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
