In a certain sense a language *is* a normative guide to how to make noises and marks on paper. ;-)
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It is, but my point there was that it's hard to interpret this as strict rule when the effects are so broad and fuzzy at the edges
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but I've been arguing exactly against strict rules for semantics.
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I don't wanna pull the "I did a phd in this" card, but I did.

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our brain's method of computing semantics is way fuzzier but also simpler.
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I think the way brains work and the way technical terms work don't necessarily line up very well.
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(And that "normative" and "prescriptive" are both fairly technical terms)
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ok, I think technical terms are fine but these words aren't technical in all contexts
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Hmm that's true but I think here the technical use predates colloquial use, and when that happens I try to retain technical usage.
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