A Level English Language Change A* Essay: Prescriptivism

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.

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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published, it is immediately ‘outdated’.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.

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