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History and Philosophy of the Language Sciences

Podcast episode 13: Interview with John Joseph on Saussure

Feb 28, 2021
John Joseph, a renowned expert on Ferdinand de Saussure, shares insights into Saussure's profound impact on structuralism and modern linguistics. He discusses how Saussure's minimalist model redefined the relationship between language and identity. The conversation also touches on the critiques of Saussure's theories, particularly regarding their social context. Joseph highlights the innovative aspects of Saussure's teachings and explores his lasting legacy, contrasting his ideas with those of contemporaneous theorists, revealing a rich tapestry of linguistic history.
22:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Saussure's course fundamentally shifted linguistic analysis by prioritizing a system of signs defined through differences rather than physical characteristics.
  • Key figures like Jakobson and Bloomfield advanced and challenged Saussure's ideas, exploring psychological dimensions that Saussure himself overlooked.

Deep dives

The Impact of Saussure's Course on Structuralism

Saussure's course in general linguistics is considered a foundational text for linguistic structuralism, despite interpretations varying among contemporary linguists. The course emphasized analyzing languages through a modern, scientific lens, focusing on linguistic signs rather than cultural or philosophical implications. This minimalist approach appealed to many, particularly in the post-World War I context, as scholars sought a fresh perspective on language unencumbered by previous doctrines. The course's delineation of language as a system of signs, each defined by its difference from others, marks a significant paradigm shift that influenced later linguists and schools of thought.

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