Course In General Linguistics By Ferdinand De Saussure Pdf Writer
Course In General Linguistics Ferdinand De Saussure Pdf
Ferdinand De Saussure Theory Of Language
3 – ValueSaussure realized that if linguistics was going to be an actual science, language could not be a mere nomenclature; for otherwise it would be little more than a fashionable version of, constructing lists of the definitions of words. Thus he argued that the sign is ultimately determined by the other signs in the system, which delimit its meaning and possible range of use, rather than its internal sound-pattern and concept. Sheep, for example, has the same meaning as the French word mouton, but not the same value, for mouton can also be used to mean the meal lamb, whereas sheep cannot, because it has been delimited by mutton.Language is therefore a system of interdependent entities. But not only does it delimit a sign's range of use, for which it is necessary, because an isolated sign could be used for absolutely anything or nothing without first being distinguished from another sign, but it is also what makes meaning possible. The set of synonyms redouter ('to dread'), craindre ('to fear'), and avoir peur ('to be afraid'), for instance, have their particular meaning so long as they exist in contrast to one another.