Fixing English

Zusammenfassung Anne Curzan demonstrates the important role prescriptivism plays in the history of the English language. Starting with a pioneering new definition of prescriptivism as a linguistic phenomenon, she highlights the significant role played by Microsoft's grammar checker, debates about 'real words', non-sexist language reform, and efforts to reappropriate stigmatized terms.

Auteur

Anne Curzan is Professor of English in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan.

Texte du rabat

Anne Curzan presents a pioneering new definition of prescriptivism as a linguistic phenomenon.

Contenu

Introduction: does prescriptivism fail?; 1. Prescriptivism's umbrella: standards, style, restoration, and political intervention; 2. Prescriptivism's lessons: scope and 'The history of English'; 3. Checking grammar and grammar checkers; 4. Dictionaries and the idea of 'real words'; 5. Non-sexist language reform and its effects; 6. Reappropriation and challenges to institutionalized prescriptivism; 7. Finding shared ground: public conversations about prescriptivism.