Exploring the Interplay of External and Internal Linguistics

 Student 1: Some scholars believe that it is impossible to entirely separate external linguistics from internal linguistics based on several reasons. Language, like living organisms, is viewed as a system that responds to external factors such as historical events, culture, and interactions with other languages. These external influences play a vital role in shaping the internal structure of a language over time, underlining the necessity of studying external factors for a comprehensive understanding of language development.

For example, many linguists employ interdisciplinary approaches that consider both external and internal linguistic factors. Fields such as sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, and linguistic anthropology combine linguistic analysis with insights from various disciplines, recognizing the interdependence of external and internal factors.

What would you say in that respect?

Saussure: My theory is a work in progress, and the terminology we use is of utmost importance, so let's take it step by step.

We need to distinguish between "la langue" (language as a system of signs) and "la linguistique externe" (external linguistics), which delves into external aspects of language like its historical development, social usage, cultural context, and geography. However, we must stress the significance of both in the study of "le langage" (language in its broader sense).

In my view, when linguists explore "language" (la langue), their primary focus should be on the internal workings of a language. This internal system defines the systematic and rule-based aspects of a language. However, I also acknowledge that external linguistics (la linguistique externe) is indispensable as it deals with the real-world, historical, and cultural factors that impact "la langue", as I say: “Nothing enters the language (la langue) before having been tried out in speech (la parole)”. These external factors offer essential context and influence how language is developed and used by speakers within a particular community or culture.

So, while my definition of "language" (la langue) centers on the abstract and systematic aspects, I recognize the importance of considering external factors, as addressed in "linguistic externals" (la linguistique externe), when studying language in its real-world context (le langage).

Student 2: What is your perspective on the relationship between language and political history?

Saussure: There is a significant connection between language and political history. Major historical events, such as the Roman conquest, have had a profound and immeasurable impact on various linguistic aspects.

For instance, Norway adopted the Danish language when it became politically united with Denmark. However, it's worth noting that today, in 1910, Norwegians are striving to distance themselves from this linguistic influence.

The internal politics of a country also play a crucial role in the life of languages. Some governments, like Switzerland, allow for the coexistence of multiple languages, while others, like France, aim for linguistic unity.

Student 3: You mentioned that Norway adopted the Danish language when it became politically united with Denmark, but today they are working to distance themselves from this linguistic influence. Could you elaborate and provide another example of a geographical region where a language was imposed, but over time, the population has sought to reclaim their own language?

Saussure: Certainly. A strong Danish influence was prevalent in Norway due to the political union with Denmark. However, over time, language reforms and a resurgence of interest in the Norwegian language were central to their linguistic independence. Today, Norway values linguistic diversity and promotes its own language and culture. Danish influence has significantly diminished, and Norway has its own language, Norwegian, which is recognized as the official language of Norway and is used in government, education, and everyday communication.

A similar situation to the one in Norway can be observed in South America, particularly in countries like Bolivia. During the colonial period, Spanish was imposed on indigenous populations, leading to the suppression of many indigenous languages and cultures. However, in recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in and support for indigenous languages. Governments have recognized the importance of preserving and promoting these languages for the cultural identity of indigenous communities. Efforts have been made to introduce indigenous languages into education, media, and legal systems, often through bilingual or multilingual education programs. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of indigenous rights, including language rights, with legal recognition of indigenous languages as official or national languages in some South American countries.

Well, I hope this discussion has been informative and thought-provoking for you all. I'll be delighted to delve deeper into the debate surrounding external and internal linguistics and how they interact in our next session. Feel free to bring any more questions or topics you'd like to explore.

 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.

De Saussure, Ferdinand. "Curso de Lingüística General." Traducido por Amado Alonso. 24ª edición. Editorial Losada, 1945.

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.