Ferdinand deSaussure

Ferdinand Mongin de Saussure was a Swiss linguist & semiotician. His ideas laid a foundation for 20th century developments in both linguistics and semiology.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

As regards sign, if I am satisfied with it, this is simply∵I don't know of any word to replace it, the ordinary language suggesting no other

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

the last 2 terms have the advantage of indicating the opposition that separates them from each other & from the whole of which they're parts

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

I propose to retain the word sign to designate the whole and to replace concept and sound-image respectively by signified and signifier;

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

Ambiguity would disappear if the three notions involved here were designated by three names, each suggesting and opposing the others.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

…with the result that the idea of the sensory part implies the idea of the whole.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

One tends to forget that arbor is called a sign only because it carries the concept "tree,"…

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

…but in current usage the term generally designates only a sound-image, a word, for example (arbor, etc.).

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

Our definition of the linguistic sign poses an important question of terminology. I call the combination of a concept & a sound-image a sign

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

…only the associations sanctioned by that language appear to us to conform to reality, and we disregard whatever others might be imagined.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

Whether we try to find the meaning of the Latin word arbor or the word that Latin uses to designate the concept "tree," it is clear that…

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The two elements are intimately united, and each recalls the other. https://t.co/jHrQxDozeo

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The linguistic sign is then a two-sided psychological entity that can be represented by the drawing:

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The linguistic sign is then a two-sided psychological entity that can be represented by the drawing:

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

We can avoid that misunderstanding by speaking of the sounds & syllables of a word provided we remember the names refer to the sound-image.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

This term, which suggests vocal activity, is applicable to the spoken word only, to the realization of the inner image in discourse.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

Because we regard the words of our language as sound-images, we must avoid speaking of the "phonemes" that make up the words.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

Without moving our lips or tongue, we can talk to ourselves or recite mentally a selection of verse.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The psychological character of our sound-images becomes apparent when we observe our own speech.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

…of the association, the concept, which is generally more abstract.

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The sound-image is sensory, and if I happen to call it "material," it is only in that sense, and by way of opposing it to the other term…

[Ferdinand deSaussure @F_de_Saussure]

The latter is not the material sound, a purely physical thing, but psychological imprint of the sound, the impression it makes on our senses