In this paper some theoretical and practical problems such as the relations between the language cultivation and language criticism, the difference between the linguistic and the lay criticism of language are discussed. On the basis of concrete examples, a suggestion for overcoming the narrow understanding of the language mistake and the premature rejection of the linguistic innovations is made. Finally, the author grounds the distancing from the former conservative language cultivation as well as the need for adequate and objective professional language criticism, that should be relevant to the functionality of language and to the existing normative needs of the speakers.
Key words: language criticism, language cultivation, standard language norms
