What is Semiotics? Saussure on Langue/Parole and Signifier/Signified
Aug 8, 2021
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Ferdinand de Saussure, a pioneer in Semiotics, leads the discussion alongside influential figures like Sartre and Derrida. They delve into the intricacies of language, exploring Saussure's critical distinctions between langue and parole. The conversation highlights the relationship between signifiers and signifieds, illustrating the arbitrary nature of language through cultural examples. They also compare synchronic and diachronic approaches, emphasizing the relational aspects of meaning in linguistics. This rich insight into Semiotics reveals its profound impact on modern thought.
Ferdinand de Saussure's distinction between diachronic and synchronic linguistics revolutionizes the understanding of language evolution and contemporary usage.
The concept of arbitrary signifiers and signifieds underscores that language meaning is determined by relational differences rather than inherent connections.
Deep dives
Defining Semiotics and Its Historical Context
Semiotics is defined as the study of signs and symbols and their interpretation, emerging as a distinct field from linguistics in the early 20th century through the work of Ferdinand de Saussure. Initially, the study of language was largely focused on philology, which emphasized historical language development rather than contemporary usage. Saussure introduced two key distinctions: diachronic and synchronic studies, where diachronic examines language evolution over time, while synchronic analyzes language as it exists at a specific moment. His innovative approach laid the groundwork for future research in semiotics, structuralism, and poststructuralism, influencing disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and literary theory.
Distinctions Between Lang and Parole
Saussure's distinction between 'lang' and 'parole' illustrates two aspects of language: the abstract structure ('lang') and its concrete use in speech ('parole'). 'Lang' represents the comprehensive system of language, akin to the written score of a musical piece, while 'parole' is the real-time performance, where individual variations occur. This differentiation allows for understanding how the abstract principles of language inform actual communication. By choosing to study 'lang,' Saussure sets semiotics apart from historical linguistics and focuses on the structural elements that underlie language usage.
Arbitrary Nature of Signs and Relations in Language
Saussure reveals that both signifiers and signifieds are arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between a word (signifier) and its meaning (signified). For example, the word 'tree' could just as easily be represented by a completely different term in another language, highlighting the variability of language across cultures. This arbitrariness extends to concepts, as evidenced by discrepancies in translation where some ideas exist uniquely in one language but not another. Saussure posits that language functions not through direct naming but via a system of relations and differences, operating much like a train service that retains its identity through its distinctions from other services, regardless of the latent variations in actual trains and passengers.
Semiotics came into being with the publishing of Ferdinand de Saussure’s Course on General Linguistics in 1916. It contained distinctions such as langue vs parole as well as the signifier and signified that make up the Sign — Saussure’s fundamental unit of language. The Semiotics school of thought would go on to be a major influence on the Existentialists such as Sartre, the Structuralists such as Jacques Lacan, Levi-Strauss and Roland Barthes and the Poststructuralists Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault. In this episode we examine what the Semiotics theory is through Ferdinand de Saussure’s distinction between synchronic and diachronic linguistics, his distinction between langue and parole. With this foundation in place we will explore his contributions to this new science of language and what these explained — his definition of a Sign as being a signifier and a signified, the arbitrary nature of these and also the fact that language is a matter of difference and relations between signs in the system rather than naming. All of this will serve to have the basics of Semiotics explained. _________________ ⭐ Support the channel (thank you!) ▶ Patreon: https://patreon.com/thelivingphilosophy ▶ Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thelivingphilosophy _________________ ⌛ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Diachronic vs Synchronic 3:01 Langue vs Parole 6:06 Sign: Signifiers and Signifieds 8:40 Arbitrary Language 12:04 Language: Differences & Relations 13:37 Summary
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