Return to Saussure

Introduction Ferdinand de Saussure is often regarded as a master of making clear-cut distinctions in linguistic theory—such as langue vs. parole , signifier vs. signified , syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic relations , and synchronic vs. diachronic analysis . These binaries, as handed down to us through secondary literature, have been central to his influence on structuralism and modern linguistics, shaping our understanding of language as a systematic structure. However, focusing solely on these dualities can lead to an oversimplified view of his ideas. A closer look at his discussion on the invariability and variability of the sign reveals a more nuanced perspective, where stability and change are not at odds but are intertwined. He suggests that signs evolve precisely because they endure over time, demonstrating that continuity enables transformation. This deeper integration of opposites challenges the view of Saussure as a rigid thinker bound to strict categories. The insight