The Typewriter of Language: Unlocking the Mechanism behind Saussure's Theory


Introduction

Within the Saussurean theory, 'le MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE' (Language Mechanism) embodies the fundamental functional principles that govern language. It is important to note that when we refer to 'le MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE,' we are not discussing a real or material mechanism, but rather a theoretical framework proposed by Ferdinand de Saussure in his 'Cours de linguistique générale' (although he did not have the opportunity to review the work). This framework delineates the central aspects of language and is essential for comprehending its inner workings.

Let's closely examine its operation and attempt to unveil the enigmatic manner in which the intricate components of this captivating language mechanism seem to function.

"Syntagmatic Solidarities" (Les solidarités syntagmatiques):

These syntagmatic solidarities embody the relationships and dependencies between linguistic units within a sequence. The concept emphasizes that nearly all language units, including words and morphemes, depend on their surrounding context and the parts from which they are composed. In other words, linguistic elements do not exist in isolation; they derive meaning from their positions in a sentence or utterance. This concept underscores the significance of considering how words are constructed through combinations of meaningful elements, highlighting the importance of syntagmatic relationships in the structure and functioning of language. In "le MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE," these relationships play a fundamental role in shaping the overall operation of language.

"Simultaneous Functioning of Two Forms of Groupings" (Fonctionnement simultané des deux formes de groupements):

This concept explores how language functions through the simultaneous interplay of two types of groupings: syntagmatic and associative. As we previously discussed, syntagmatic groupings refer to the sequential arrangement of linguistic elements in sentences or utterances (in presentia), while associative groupings involve mental associations between related words (in absentia).

In the language mechanism, these two forms of grouping work together, emphasizing that language's functioning is a complex interdependence between the order in which words appear in sentences and the associations words have with one another within the system. This concept underscores the intricate nature of language's structure and operation.

 "Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness" (L’arbitraire absolu et l’arbitraire relatif):

The concept of 'Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness' explores the nature of linguistic signs, differentiating between absolute arbitrariness and relative arbitrariness. In language, many signs are entirely arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent or logical connection between the signifier (the sound pattern) and the signified (the concept). However, there are cases where signs exhibit relative motivation, evoking associations with related linguistic elements, for example, proper names (see link below to: “The Dialogue Between Jungian Archetypes and Proper Names in Saussure's Analysis of Germanic Legends”)

In the language mechanism, this distinction is crucial to understanding the extent to which language signs are arbitrary or possess some degree of motivation. It provides insights into the limitations and organization within the language system, revealing the complexities of language's inner workings.

Conclusion

In summary, "le MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE" in Saussurean linguistics represents the foundational principles that govern how language operates. These principles include, among others, the interplay of syntagmatic solidarities, simultaneous functioning of syntagmatic and associative groupings, and the distinction between absolute and relative arbitrariness. These concepts collectively contribute to our understanding of language's structure and function.

Reflecting on Saussure's linguistic legacy, it becomes evident that his groundbreaking insights continue to profoundly influence our approach to the study of language today (see link below to "The Lexical Approach and Linguistique de la Langue"). Although his work emerged from a specific historical context, it established the foundation for our modern understanding of linguistics.

Related Posts:

The Dialogue Between Jungian Archetypes and Proper Names in Saussure's Analysis of Germanic Legends

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post_699.html

The Lexical Approach and Linguistique de la Langue : A Tale of Chunks and Entities

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2024/03/blog-post_632.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

  1. What does the concept of "Syntagmatic Solidarities" entail in Saussure's "MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE" framework?
    • Answer: "Syntagmatic Solidarities" refer to the relationships and dependencies between linguistic units within a sequence. They highlight that language units, such as words and morphemes, depend on their surrounding context or the parts they are composed of.
  2. How does the idea of "Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness" contribute to our understanding of language according to the Saussurean framework?
    • Answer: "Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness" differentiates between linguistic signs that are entirely arbitrary and those that exhibit relative motivation. It helps us understand the extent to which language signs are arbitrary or have some degree of motivation, shedding light on the limitations and organization within the language system. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of Saussure's "MÉCANISME DE LA LANGUE."

 

Bibliography

Saussure, Ferdinand de. 1916. Cours de linguistique générale. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with Albert Riedlinger. Libraire Payot.

Saussure, Ferdinand de. "Course in General Linguistics." Translated and annotated by Roy Harris. With a new introduction by Roy Harris. Bloomsbury, 2013.

Saussure, Ferdinand de. Cours de linguistique générale. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with the collaboration of Albert Riedlinger. Arbre d’Or, Genève, 2005.

Bouquet, Simon, Rudolf Engler, and Antoinette Weil, eds. ESCRITOS SOBRE LINGÜÍSTICA GENERAL. Translated by Clara Ubaldina Lorda Mur. Original title: Écrits de linguistique générale, de Ferdinand de Saussure. © Éditions Gallimard, 2002.

Culler, Jonathan. 1976. SAUSSURE. Fontana/Collins.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Conversation with Saussure

Image
  A Conversation with Le Maître Student : I arrived in Geneva last night from France, taking the 8.45 train from Paris. I was eager to meet you because I stumbled upon a book that references your teachings. I'd like to read a passage from it and hear your thoughts: "In the eyes of Saussure, writing is a garb of perversion and debauchery, a cloak of corruption and disguise, a masquerade that must be exorcised – in other words, fended off – by the virtuous word: 'Writing veils the appearance of language; it is not a guise for language but a disguise'. A peculiar 'image.' One might already suspect that if writing is an 'image' and an external 'figuration,' this 'representation' is not without its implications. The exterior and interior share a relationship that is, as usual, anything but mere externalization." What's your perspective on this? Saussure : Before I dive into the topic, I'd like to acknowledge that the pass...
Read more

Historia and Différance: The Interplay of Narrative and Deconstruction

Image
Objective: To examine the philosophical and narrative parallels between Herodotus and Derrida, highlighting how Herodotus’ innovative treatment of history, origins, and storytelling elucidates key dimensions of Derrida’s deconstructive philosophy. This article argues that the ancient historian offers a tangible and accessible entry point into Derrida’s complex ideas, including his critique of metaphysics, the concept of différance, and the portrayal of history as fragmented, fluid, and nonlinear. Introduction Herodotus, the "father of history," as he is often called, occupies a singular place in intellectual tradition by blending narrative exploration with philosophical inquiry. Similarly, Jacques Derrida revolutionized contemporary thought through his challenges to established notions of origins, meaning, and causality. This article explores the relationship between these two figures, analyzing how the former’s fluid approach to beginnings, storytelling, and causati...
Read more

“There Is Nothing Outside”: A Parallel Between Nietzsche and Derrida’s Radical Critiques of Metaphysics

Image
Abstract This article explores the philosophical convergence between Nietzsche’s “there is nothing outside the whole” ( es gibt nichts außer dem Ganzen ) in Twilight of the Idols and Derrida’s “there is nothing outside the text” ( il n’y a pas de hors-texte ) in Of Grammatology . Both statements dismantle metaphysical frameworks by rejecting external origins or absolute truths and affirming systems as self-referential and interwoven. Nietzsche challenges the notion of divine or teleological causation, while Derrida critiques the idea of an independent "transcendental signified." By providing the intellectual background of these declarations and analyzing their shared themes, the article illuminates their joint significance in destabilizing Western philosophical traditions and revealing the immanent, dynamic nature of existence and meaning. Introduction The lines “there is nothing outside the whole” and “there is nothing outside the text” are cornerstones of Niet...
Read more