modern linguistics is mostly descriptive because the nature
of linguistics as a science determines its preoccupation with
description instead of prescription.
1.9.2 Synchronic vs. diachronic
A synchronic study takes a fixed instant (usually at present)
as its point of observation. Saussure’s diachronic
description is the study of a language through the course of
its history. E.g. a study of the features of the English used
in Shakespeare’s time would be synchronic, and a study of the
changes English has undergone since then would be a diachronic
study. In modern linguistics, synchronic study seems to enjoy
priority over diachronic study. The reason is that unless the
various state of a language are successfully studied it would
be difficult to describe the changes that have taken place in
its historical development.
1.9.3 Langue & parole
Saussure distinguished the linguistic competence of the
speaker and the actual phenomena or data of linguistics as
langue and parole. Langue is relative stable and systematic,
parole is subject to personal and situational constraints;
langue is not spoken by an individual, parole is always a
naturally occurring event. What a linguist should do,