Universal Grammar (UG):
* Focus: Explains the innate ability of humans to learn language, regardless of the specific language they are exposed to.
* Assumption: Humans are born with a "language acquisition device" containing fundamental principles of grammar.
* Goal: To identify these universal principles and how they are adapted to create the diverse languages of the world.
* Examples:
* The concept of "subject-verb-object" order being a common element in many languages.
* The idea that all languages have nouns and verbs, even if they are expressed differently.
* Not prescriptive: It does not tell people how to speak "correctly," but seeks to explain how language works.
Prescriptive Grammar:
* Focus: Dictates how language should be used, often based on tradition or the perceived "correctness" of a particular dialect.
* Assumption: There is one correct way to use a language, and deviations from this standard are considered errors.
* Goal: To enforce linguistic norms and maintain the perceived "purity" of a language.
* Examples:
* "Don't end a sentence with a preposition."
* "Never use 'less' for countable items."
* Prescriptive: It provides rules about "correct" language use, often with judgments about "good" and "bad" grammar.
In summary:
* UG is descriptive, aiming to understand the underlying structure of language.
* Prescriptive grammar is normative, setting standards for "correct" language usage.
Here's an analogy:
Think of UG as the blueprint for building a house. It outlines the basic principles of construction, such as the need for walls, a roof, and a foundation.
Prescriptive grammar would be like a set of house-decorating rules. It might specify what color the walls should be, what type of furniture is appropriate, and so on.
While the blueprint is essential for constructing any house, the decorating rules are specific to individual preferences and may vary widely.
Therefore, UG is not a set of prescriptive rules, but rather a theoretical framework for explaining the innate human capacity for language.