English Language A-Level
Descriptivism
What Descriptivism means in English Language A-Level, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Descriptivism
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
An objective approach to language that focuses on describing how language is actually used by speakers, without judging it as correct or incorrect.
An objective approach to language that describes how it is actually used by speakers, without making judgements about correctness.
An objective approach to language that describes how it is actually used by speakers, viewing change as a natural process.
An objective approach to language that focuses on how it is actually spoken and written, without making value judgements.
An objective approach to language that describes how it is actually used without making judgements about correctness.
Topics that use Descriptivism
- Component 1 – Overview (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Component 1: Language Variation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Component 3 – Topic area: Language and Journalism (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Component 3 – Topic area: Language and Power (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Component 3 – Topic area: Regional Language Variation (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
Related terms
- Prescriptivism
- Sociolect
- Register
- Standardisation
- Syntax
- Dialect Levelling
- Discourse Marker
- Synthetic Personalisation
Using Descriptivism in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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