To learn, it is necessary to unlearn.

     My partner often teases me about my corrupt Chinese syntax. To achieve my aspiration of becoming a good translator, I have to better myself in this regard. So I asked a well-read teacher of Mandarin Chinese for advice. 

     The book she recommended me to read lists quite a few pitfalls to avoid in the writing/speaking of Chinese. And the author advocates for every Chinese speaker to refrain from using bad, westernized (or more specifically, englishized) sentences.

     As much as I agree with his insights on the distinction between good and bad Chinese sentences, I found his advocated move contrary to my academic training. The study of linguistics has pursuaded me that language has its own life and evolves with time, which is also why there is a common hail for a descriptive grammar among linguists.

     So it seems if I want to get a better command at Chinese syntax, it's necessary for me to unlearn a bit and get closer to this prescriptive stance.