Writing Homework Help

Reflection: The Ever-evolving English Language

This week we explored the living, evolving nature of the English language. The video above captures some of the tension involved as a language grows and changes.

For this assignment, we’d like you to write a short reflection about what you learned. After watching the video above on grammar snobbery and the notes attached below — write a short reflection about what stood out to you.

Take the reflection in any direction you’d like. Some questions to get you thinking:

What’s your approach to language? Would you describe yourself more as a descriptivist or a prescriptivist? Why or why not? How do you think we should balance the desire for rules and consistency with a spirit of inclusion and tolerance? What’s been your experience with grammar snobbery? How can grammar rules be used to include or exclude certain perspectives? 

As you write, be sure to draw specific connections to my (Notes!).