1.8.3 Anthropological linguistics,
Anthropological linguistics studies the relationship between
language and culture in a community.
1.8.4 Computational linguistics
Computational linguistics is an interdisciplinary field which
centers around the use of computers to process or produce human
language.
1.9 Important distinctions in linguistics
1.9.1 Descriptive vs. prescriptive
To say that linguistics is a descriptive science is to say that
the linguist tries to discover and record the rules to which
the members of a language-community actually conform and does
not seek to impose upon them other rules, or norms, of
correctness.
Prescriptive linguistics aims to lay down rules for the correct
use of language and settle the disputes over usage once and
for all.
For example, “Don’t say X.” is a prescriptive command;
“People don’t say X.” is a descriptive statement. The
distinction lies in prescribing how things ought to be and
describing how things are. In the 18th century, all the main
European languages were studied prescriptively. However,