Saussure approach on linguistics
Saussure approached the linguistic by asserting a unique perspective known as structuralism. Saussure uses the term parole and langue to explain the basis of his theory. Langue ( language is English) implies a big container that hosts all language traits, especially words and images that come to the mind when one is speaking. As a result, all the stored words, images, and meanings comprise of langue. Conversely, parole refers to the individual language acts when an individual is voicing sentences, words, or letters audibly. In other words, parole is the way speech manifests physically. This essay explores the difference between symbol and sign and the meaning of tree and horse as used by Ferdinand de Saussure.
From Saussure’s view, certain words are born out due to society’s specific needs, rather than the need to label the pre-existing set of concepts. The example of a horse makes people imagine a horse. Conversely, the word “tree” does not imply a physical object but a tree’s psychological concept. As a result, there is no meaning without linguistic expression and no linguistic expression without meaning. The section that Saussure calls acoustic image also implies to sound image- the mental linguistic sign which is given to an object or thing. Saussure named the sound image as a signifier indicating to the sound created in mind.
A symbol has a complex meaning and sound that varies from one person to another, depending on their schooling, upbringing, and experience. Also, a symbol is open to interpretation and conveys a message with a deep meaning. For instance, a ring worn on the left arm’s fourth finger could imply marriage commitment to another person. It can also mean a piece of jewelry. Contrastingly, according to Saussure, the sign is a two-sided psychological identity- both sides are functional and necessary. The two elements include concept and sound-image. Thus, a sign is something specific or concrete, like a $ sign. The $ is dollar sign since it represents a unit of currency, known explicitly as a dollar.
Finally, regardless of how linguistic signs are analysed, their meaning may be unrecoverable both to the participant and the analyst. Therefore, the structure of language is a cultural and social convention of language that people use.