[Melancholy]

I have doubted that why linguist is interested in descriptive approach rather than Prescriptive approach and what these approach is relevant to language teaching, based on descriptive approach

As far as I am concerned about teaching English as a foreign language; I have found that if students have not been taught grammar they would find it difficult to create their own sentences.

However, as the language teaching is revolutionized, as time passes by, to communicative approach which aims to help students learn grammar indirectly. resulting good speaking but poor writing. ( I guess memorize the meaning as a whole sentence)

From many hypothesis about language is nature or nurture, students still need to learn grammar; and this grammar of any langugae would tell them whether they make a sensible sentence or not.

But if linguists are interested in descriptive approach, interlocutor's knowledge of language, sound system etc. They would be intersted in how such a speak form the language. For example I don't do nothing.


I don't do nothing, mathematics approach would claimed like -,-=+ so the meaning should be 'I do some things'

but with many reseaches compare this to French which allow the combination of double negation with the understanding of ' I do nothing' which gives different result.


With the descriptive approach, this sentence would be described as the speaker is lack of English knowledge of grammar. If it is so Prescriptive should be much more intersting.


( Did I make wrong description)
Can any one suggest/ explain me how descriptive is relevant to language teaching..

Thank you
PS: hope my problem will not confuse you