How do prescriptivism and descriptivism differ in language change?

• A. Prescriptivism enforces rules; descriptivism describes how language is actually used; the debate influences teaching and attitudes to change.
• B. Descriptivism enforces rules; prescriptivism describes actual usage.
• C. The two terms describe pronunciation, not usage.
• D. Both advocate for no change in language.

Answer: (A)

Language change is understood through two different lenses: prescriptivism treats language as something with fixed rules that must be followed, while descriptivism focuses on describing how people actually use language, including new forms and patterns as they emerge. The statement that best fits both ideas—prescriptivism enforcing rules, descriptivism describing actual usage, and the way this debate shapes teaching and attitudes to change—captures how these approaches influence language study and education. The other options mix up who enforces rules, focus only on pronunciation, or claim there should be no change, which doesn’t reflect the real distinctions between the two positions.