Norm as a linguistic concept: dynamics and сodificati

Abstract

This academic research is devoted to the problem of understanding the norm as a sociolinguistic category. The relevance of a conducted study is linked to the fact that there is no single approach in modern linguistics to the normativity interpretation in a general context and some specific norms of literary language particularly. In the course of our research changes and specification of the “norm” concept have been identified in scientific definitions that occurred at the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries. Moreover, new aspects of understanding the norm have been determinated. It is found that at the beginning of the 20th century linguists pointed the systemic nature of the norm and interpreted it as a complex well-ordered structure, the top of which is occupied by literary language. This aspect has remained constant in a sense of the “norm” concept to this day. However, modern research workers recognize the dual nature of the norm as a systemic and social phenomenon all the while. They interpret it as the most everlast linguistic fact, selected in the process of public communication, which corresponds to the language system and has got public approval and recognition. It is proved that the recognition of a language norm results in its codification in authoritative publications, particularly dictionaries. It was found out that the development of the Ukrainian literary language was significantly influenced by the codification of the 20-30’s years of the 20th century. After all, it was then when principles of scientific studies of a language vocabulary were determined. Researchers сontroverted spontaneous norms and focused on systemic principles of normalization of the Ukrainian literary language, which has not lost its relevance to this day. It is confirmed that the most reliable fixers of changes in a language lexical and semantic system and codifiers of literary language norms are standard language lexicographic works. They reflect the level of literary norms development and the state of social linguistic consciousness of an ethnic group in one or another period. Linguistic normative dictionaries help us foster a person culture and are means of a purposeful and scientifically based language policy. Users of linguistic dictionaries enhance their own language culture and develop a linguistic taste and a sense of word. The study makes the differentiation between descriptive and prescriptive norms by the following criteria: an attitude to a language (appraisive/non-evaluative); description / selection of a language material; presence / absence of recommendations for use of a language material. A descriptive norm is considered to be a system of multilevel units that actually function in a language. A prescriptive norm is mainly a codified system of language units that is regulated by means of instructions and recommendations.