Descriptivism
An approach to language that observes and describes how language is actually used by speakers and writers, without judging usage as 'correct' or 'incorrect'.
Real World
The Oxford English Dictionary takes a descriptivist approach, adding 'innit' and 'chillax' once sufficient evidence of real usage exists, rather than excluding them as 'slang'.
Exam Focus
Contrast descriptivism with prescriptivism using named linguists (e.g. Crystal vs. Humphrys) to access the higher analytical mark bands.
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