The descriptive approach in modern linguistic studies

الملخص

This research addresses the descriptive method in modern linguistic studies, tracing its origins to early linguistic scholarship. We find that the modern descriptive approach does not significantly diverge from ancient studies, except among certain recent scholars who were able to establish specific guidelines to be followed or avoided by modern descriptivists. This was done to update the method and make it beneficial for linguistic analysis.

The descriptive method in linguistic studies aims to describe language as it is actually used, focusing on its various levels: phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic. This approach is characterized by its realism, flexibility, and ability to analyze living languages and dialects, making it an essential tool for any serious linguistic project.

However, the descriptive method faces criticism related to its potential neglect of meaning and an overreliance on surface-level phenomena. Although it has been used by many Arab researchers, they have encountered challenges, including weak theoretical grounding and selectivity in the use of concepts. This has ultimately led to a lack of theoretical unity and methodological coherence.