Course in General Linguistics

By Ferdinand de Saussure

Ferdinand de Saussure's Course in General Linguistics is a foundational text in the field of linguistics. First published in 1916, the book presents Saussure's theory of language as a system of signs. Saussure argues that language is not simply a collection of words, but rather a complex system of relationships between sounds, meanings, and concepts.

Key Concepts

Langue and Parole

One of the most important distinctions Saussure makes is between langue and parole. Langue is the abstract system of language, while parole is the individual's actual use of language. Saussure argues that langue is the more important of the two, as it is the underlying structure that makes parole possible.

Signifier and Signified

Another key concept in Saussure's theory is the sign. A sign is a combination of a signifier and a signified. The signifier is the physical form of the sign, such as a word or a gesture. The signified is the mental concept that the signifier represents.

Arbitrariness of the Sign

Saussure also argues that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary. This means that there is no necessary connection between the two. For example, the word "dog" does not resemble a dog in any way. However, the connection between the signifier and the signified is约定俗成的, and it is this convention that allows us to use language to communicate.

Influence of Course in General Linguistics

Course in General Linguistics has had a profound influence on the field of linguistics. It has been translated into more than 30 languages, and it is still widely read and studied today. Saussure's ideas have influenced a wide range of linguistic theories, including structuralism, post-structuralism, and generative grammar.

Why You Should Read Course in General Linguistics

Course in General Linguistics is a must-read for anyone interested in linguistics. It is a challenging but rewarding book that will give you a new way of thinking about language. If you are interested in learning more about the nature of language, then I highly recommend reading Course in General Linguistics.

Conclusion

Course in General Linguistics is a classic work of linguistics that has had a profound influence on the field. Saussure's ideas are still relevant today, and they continue to inspire new research and scholarship. If you are interested in learning more about language, then I highly recommend reading Course in General Linguistics.