Anàlisi del discurs de la Gramàtica catalana (1933), de Pompeu Fabra / Discourse analysis of Pompeu Fabra's Catalan Grammar (1933)

Abstract

This presentation attempts to contribute to answering the question "In what sense is linguistics or grammar always prescriptive?" This contribution will be anchored in the statements of Bonet (1989) and Cuenca (2001), who clearly state that it is both description and prescription which finally impose a model on linguistic reality. In addition, when the descriptivism or prescriptivism of a text is discussed, what is actually being considered is its aim. Thus, a direct approach from the point of view of the speech act theory (locutionary, illocutionary and perlocutionary) is needed. The way of providing the answer is to present an analysis of Fabra's discourse in his Gramàtica catalana (1933), which is still currently the official Catalan grammar. This analysis will encompass a two-pronged approach. On the one hand it will be based on Berrendonner's (1982) theoretical foundations and classification that demonstrate how French normative grammar hides its arbitrary and authoritarian character and on the other, Costa Carreras' (2008) general outlook on Catalan prescriptive discourse will also be taken into account.