Language norm; definitions; conceptions; descriptive attitude; social and geographical varieties; E. Coseriu;

This article deals with the term language norm. Different definitions of this term are resumed and attitudes of a few linguists are confrontated. Traditionally the term language norm is defined as an amount of rules which control language usage considered as correct. In this meaning language norm is connected with terms such as language accuracy and language codification and it has a prescriptive character. There are also descriptive and objective attitudes which connect language norm with language varieties in different social classes and geographical areas. The norm is comprehended not only as a language phenomenon but also as a social one. The authoress also mentions E.Coseriu´s conception of language norm. He distinguishes among language, norm and discourse. The norm is that what enables the system to be realized; something what is normal and traditional.