“The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

Introduction: “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

“The Concept of the Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure is a chapter from Course in General Linguistics, published posthumously in 1916 and translated into English by Wade Baskin in 1959, revolutionized the field of linguistics. This seminal work delves into the arbitrary nature of the sign, elucidating the relationship between the signifier (the sound-image) and the signified (the concept). Saussure’s meticulous dissection of this relationship, emphasizing its conventionality and lack of intrinsic connection, challenged prevailing notions and paved the way for modern linguistic theory. His clear and concise prose, coupled with insightful examples, makes this section accessible to both scholars and laymen alike, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of linguistic study.

Summary of “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

Literary Terms in “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

Literary Term/Device	Definition	Example from Text
Sign	The whole that results from the association of the signifier (sound-image) and the signified (concept).	The word “arbor” is a sign, combining the sound-image (arbor) with the concept “tree.”
Signifier	The sound-image or form that represents the signified.	The sound-image “arbor” is the signifier for the concept “tree.”
Signified	The concept or idea represented by the signifier.	The concept “tree” is the signified represented by the signifier “arbor.”
Arbitrariness	The absence of a natural or intrinsic connection between the signifier and the signified.	The relationship between the sound-image “s-ö-r” and the concept “sister” in French is arbitrary, as is the word “ox” vs. “Ochs.”
Linearity	The signifier unfolds solely in time, forming a chain of elements presented in succession.	The word “sister” is composed of a linear sequence of sounds: s-ö-r.

Contribution to Literary Theory and “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

• Foundation of Structuralism: Saussure’s theory of the linguistic sign, with its emphasis on the arbitrary relationship between signifier and signified, laid the groundwork for structuralism, a major movement in literary theory. Structuralists applied Saussure’s ideas to analyze literature as a system of signs, focusing on the relationships between elements within the text rather than authorial intent or historical context.
• Focus on Language as a System: Saussure’s emphasis on language as a system of differences and relationships revolutionized the way literature was studied. By highlighting the arbitrary nature of the sign, Saussure opened up new avenues for analyzing the structure and function of language in literary texts, paving the way for formalist and structuralist approaches.
• Influence on Semiotics: Saussure’s work on the linguistic sign played a crucial role in the development of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols. Semiotics, which expanded beyond linguistics to encompass all forms of cultural expression, borrowed heavily from Saussure’s concepts to analyze the meaning-making processes in literature and other art forms.
• Impact on Reader-Response Criticism: Saussure’s focus on the arbitrary relationship between signifier and signified contributed to the rise of reader-response criticism. By emphasizing the role of the reader in constructing meaning from the text, this approach challenged traditional notions of authorial intent and highlighted the active role of the reader in interpreting literary works.
• Inspiration for Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction: Saussure’s ideas about the instability and fluidity of meaning were further developed by post-structuralist and deconstructionist theorists. These movements challenged the notion of fixed meanings and emphasized the plurality of interpretations possible in literary texts, drawing inspiration from Saussure’s insights into the arbitrary nature of the sign.

Examples of Critiques Through “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

Work	Critique	Signifier	Signified
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe	The repeated use of the word “nevermore” acts as a signifier, evoking the concept of eternal despair and the finality of death. This dual entity underscores the protagonist’s descent into madness as the sound-image “nevermore” carries the weight of hopelessness each time it is uttered.	“Nevermore”	Eternal despair, finality of death
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville	The whale in Moby-Dick serves as a complex signifier representing various concepts such as the sublime, the unknowable, and the destructive force of nature. The arbitrary nature of the signifier is evident as different characters project their meanings onto the whale, illustrating Saussure’s principle of the arbitrary connection between signifier and signified.	The whale	Sublime, unknowable, destructive force of nature
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot	The term “mermaids” in Eliot’s poem is a signifier that evokes the concept of unattainable desires and the protagonist’s sense of unworthiness. This arbitrary linkage highlights Prufrock’s internal struggles and the psychological depth of his character, demonstrating Saussure’s idea that the bond between signifier and signified is unmotivated.	“Mermaids”	Unattainable desires, sense of unworthiness
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson	The word “lottery” is a signifier that initially suggests a positive, communal activity but ultimately reveals a sinister, violent ritual. This stark contrast between the sound-image and the concept it comes to signify emphasizes the arbitrary nature of linguistic signs and the potential for language to mask underlying truths.	“Lottery”	Communal activity, sinister ritual

Criticism Against “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

• Overemphasis on Arbitrariness: Critics argue that Saussure overemphasizes the arbitrariness of the sign, neglecting the role of motivation and iconicity in language. For example, onomatopoeic words like “buzz” or “splash” have a non-arbitrary relationship between their sound and meaning.
• Neglect of Social and Historical Context: Saussure’s focus on the synchronic (static) analysis of language overlooks the importance of diachronic (historical) changes and the social context in which language is used. For instance, the meaning of the word “gay” has evolved over time, reflecting changes in social attitudes.
• Oversimplification of the Sign: The signifier-signified model is considered by some as overly simplistic, failing to account for the complex and multi-layered nature of meaning-making. For example, the word “red” can evoke a variety of associations and connotations beyond its basic meaning of a color.
• Ignoring the Role of the Speaker: Saussure’s theory focuses on the linguistic system (langue) rather than individual speech acts (parole), neglecting the creative and dynamic use of language by speakers. For instance, the same word can be used in different ways to convey different meanings depending on the speaker’s intent and context.
• Limited Scope: Saussure’s theory is primarily focused on spoken language, neglecting other modes of communication such as gesture, facial expression, and body language. For example, a raised eyebrow can convey skepticism or disbelief without the use of words.

Suggested Readings: “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

1. Culler, Jonathan. Saussure. Fontana Modern Masters, 1986.
2. Harris, Roy. Reading Saussure. Open Court, 1987.
3. Holdcroft, David. Saussure: Signs, System, and Arbitrariness. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
4. Thibault, Paul J. Re-reading Saussure: The Dynamics of Signs in Social Life. Routledge, 1996.

Extracts with Explanation from “The Concept Of The Linguistic Sign” by Ferdinand de Saussure

Quotation	Context & Explanation
“The linguistic sign unites, not a thing and a name, but a concept and a sound-image.”	This foundational statement introduces the two essential components of Saussure’s theory of the sign: the signifier (sound-image) and the signified (concept). It challenges the simplistic notion of language as mere labeling.
“The bond between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary.”	This principle asserts that there is no inherent or natural connection between the sound-image of a word and the concept it represents, highlighting the conventional nature of language. This arbitrariness allows for linguistic diversity.
“The linguistic sign is then a two-sided psychological entity…”	This emphasizes the psychological nature of the sign, existing in the minds of speakers as a connection between a mental image (signifier) and a concept (signified). This highlights the importance of mental processes in language.
“Principle I dominates all the linguistics of language; its consequences are numberless.”	This underscores the central importance of the principle of arbitrariness in Saussure’s theory, claiming that it is the foundation for understanding the structure and function of language as a whole.
“The signifier, being auditory, is unfolded solely in time… it is a line.”	This principle emphasizes the linear nature of the signifier (sound-image), unfolding in time rather than space. This linear characteristic has important implications for the structure and analysis of language, especially in written form.