Hjelmslev's Glossematics and Saussure´s Semiology: A Critical Exploration of Language and Signs.

 

Introduction

In the field of linguistics and semiotics, the legacy of Ferdinand de Saussure looms large (Saussure, 1971). However, the Danish linguist and semiotician Louis Hjelmslev, whose work has often been overshadowed, holds significant influence despite Saussure's dominant presence (Siertsema, 1955). Hjelmslev's pioneering efforts in refining Saussure's theories and introducing his own concepts, such as Glossematik (glossematics), have left a lasting impact on the study of language and semiotics. This blog post will delve into the main ideas developed by Hjelmslev, his departure from Saussurean principles, and the implications of his work.

Transcendental vs. Immanent Approach

Both Ferdinand de Saussure and Louis Hjelmslev shared the fundamental premise that language goes beyond being a mere vehicle for communication; they viewed it as a supra-individual institution deserving independent study. Both scholars rejected the idea of considering language solely as a means of connecting with the external world (Saussure, 1971).

However, Hjelmslev is renowned for advocating an immanent approach, which marked a departure from Saussure's transcendental perspective (Siertsema, 1955). In the immanent approach, language is examined in its own right, free from external influences or considerations. As a result of this shift in focus, Hjelmslev developed a meticulous system of concepts and terminology with the ultimate goal of clarifying the fundamental aspects of language at its most theoretical level and enhancing the examination of how language is applied in practical contexts.

The Sign Function

One of Hjelmslev's significant contributions was his reinterpretation of the sign function, a concept akin to Saussure's "langue" and "parole" (Siertsema, 1955). Hjelmslev asserted that no sign exists in isolation; rather, signs exist within a context, relative to other signs. To emphasize this idea, he introduced the concept of a "sign function," which depends on the interplay between "expression" and "content."

In Hjelmslev's framework, a sign function is constituted by two inseparable elements, the "sign-expression" and the "sign-content," which he calls "functives" (Lechte 2008). This viewpoint underscores that a sign is not an intrinsic entity but a product of its context. While Saussure's linguistic theory also recognizes the contextual nature of signs, particularly in his theory of linguistic value (valeur), which emphasizes the relational meaning of signs within a system (Saussure, 1971), Hjelmslev's approach digs deeper into the intricacies of the sign function, expression, and content. Hjelmslev's exploration provides a more detailed understanding of how signs operate within their contexts. Whereas Saussure laid the foundation for grasping the relational nature of signs, particularly in his theory of linguistic value (valeur), which emphasizes the relational meaning of signs within a system (Saussure, 1971), Hjelmslev expanded on these aspects within his glossematics framework, offering a richer perspective on the contextual dynamics of language.

'Figurae': The Raw Material of Language

Language, according to Hjelmslev, comprises various non-sign elements, such as letters of the alphabet, which serve as the raw material for creating new signs (Siertsema, 1955). He refers to these elements as "figurae." Figurae suggest that language is not a closed, self-contained system but an open-ended totality with the potential for endless variation. This perspective aligns with Levi-Strauss's concept of the "floating signifier" and challenges the idea of language as a static system.

The Enigma of 'Purport'

One of the most enigmatic aspects of Hjelmslev's theory is his concept of "purport" (Siertsema, 1955). He posits that language is inherently linked to "purport," which he describes as an amorphous "thought-mass" external to language yet inseparable from it. Purport is the elusive factor that gives language its purpose but remains inaccessible to knowledge.

The amorphous "thought-mass" evokes Saussure´s CGL: [155] “Thought is like a swirling cloud, where no shape is intrinsically determinate.” [156] “Thought, chaotic by nature, is made precise by the process of segmentation.”

Hjelmslev's complex terminology of "expression" and "content" further complicates the notion of "purport." He distinguishes between two planes: "system" and "process" (or "text"). While system represents the underlying structure of language, process is its virtual, ever-evolving aspect. This distinction allows for the generation of countless texts from a single language system (Lechte 2008).

Expression and Content

In Hjelmslev's framework, "expression" and "content" are the two inseparable components of the sign function. Expression takes various forms, such as speech, writing, or gesture, and exists within a particular substance, such as the human voice or written marks. Similarly, content represents the form in which meaning is articulated and can vary within the same semantic area (Siertsema, 1955).

Hjelmslev's emphasis on the interplay between expression and content highlights the dynamic nature of language, where different expressions can convey the same content or the same expression can signify different contents across languages.

Glossematics: An Immanent Approach

To revitalize the study of language and semiotics, Hjelmslev introduced the term "glossematics," signifying an algebraic approach to language that operates with unnamed entities (Siertsema, 1955). Glossematics aims to provide a rigorous and exhaustive framework for understanding language, eliminating artificial divisions between linguistic subfields like phonetics, morphology, syntax, lexicography, and semantics.

Denotation and Connotation

Hjelmslev's theory also delves into the concepts of denotation and connotation (Siertsema, 1955). Denotation refers to the expression that refers to a specific content, while connotation implies that the expression and content together create another expression referring to another content. This notion opens up possibilities for examining language in terms of its underlying structure and its connotative aspects.

Assessment of Hjelmslev's Theory

Hjelmslev's work has undeniably brought clarity to Saussure's distinction between "langue" and "parole" and challenged the traditional view of language. However, his complex terminology and the ambiguous nature of "purport" raise questions about the consistency and coherence of his theory. Moreover, by defining "system" as independent of "text," Hjelmslev seems to reduce language to a linguistic model, potentially overlooking the inseparable relationship between language as a system and language in actual usage.

In conclusion, Louis Hjelmslev's contributions to linguistics and semiotics cannot be understated (Siertsema, 1955). His innovative ideas, from the sign function to the concept of "purport," have enriched our understanding of language as an immanent system. While his theory may be challenging and occasionally elusive, it has paved the way for further explorations into the intricate web of signs and their meanings in the realm of human communication.

 We're thrilled to have you reading our blogs! We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or any cool insights you might have about the fascinating world where linguistics and philosophy collide. Don't be shy – drop us a line and let's have a chat! Together, we'll dive into the exciting mysteries of linguistics and philosophy and build a friendly and engaging community of thinkers. 😊        Rodie

Quiz: Hjelmslev's Glossematics and Saussure's Semiology

1.      How does Hjelmslev's concept of "figurae" challenge the traditional view of language? a) It emphasizes the unity of expression and content. b) It introduces the idea of denotation and connotation. c) It suggests that language is a closed, self-contained system. d) It allows for endless variation and sees language as open-ended.

2.      What is the enigmatic concept of "purport" in Hjelmslev's theory? a) An immanent approach to linguistics b) The underlying structure of language c) A thought-mass external to language d) The algebraic framework of glossematics.

3.      What does Hjelmslev's theory of glossematics aim to achieve? a) To create divisions between linguistic subfields b) To emphasize the duality of expression and content c) To provide a rigorous framework for understanding language d) To reduce language to a linguistic model.

 

Key:

1-D

2-C

3-C

 

Bibliography

Siertsema, B. A Study of Glossematics: Critical Survey of Its Fundamental Concepts. Ph.D. (Amsterdam), 1955. Originally published by Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague, in 1955. 

Fifty Key Contemporary Thinkers From Structuralism To Post-Humanism. Second Edition John Lechte Routledge 2008

Saussure, Ferdinand de. Cours de linguistique générale (1916). Paris: Payot, 1971.