Langue, Social Reality and Time: The Illusion of Freedom in Language

Introduction

"La Langue," defined as "the whole set of linguistic habits which enables the speaker to understand and to make himself understood," forms the foundation of Saussure's linguistic exploration. However, Saussure contends that this definition is incomplete, prompting him to delve deeper into the complexity of that particular concept. Beyond the individual's linguistic habits, la langue, he introduces two additional essential elements: Masse parlante, the speaking mass, and Temps, time. As he outlines these components, a richer understanding of the dynamic interplay within language unfolds, venturing into the intricate network of social reality, temporal evolution and the illusion of freedom:

"Dès lors la langue n’est pas libre.../ From then on, language is not free..." (my translation)

"La Langue" and Its Social Reality

Saussure's exploration of "la langue", initially defined in Part I, Chapter II, "Immutabilité et mutabilité du signe", doesn't end with a mere condideration of the individual aspects of language. Criticized for isolating "la langue" from its social reality, Saussure emphasizes that a language/la langue is a social fact, a semiotic phenomenon that transcends individual aspects:

“Contrary to what might appear to be the case, a language never exists even for a moment except as a social fact, for it is a semiological phenomenon”.

A holistic understanding requires recognizing two inseparable elements: "la langue" and the speaking mass/masse parlante, emphasizing its intrinsically social nature.

The Impact of Time on Language

However, acknowledging the social reality of language is not the sole consideration. The dynamic interplay of "la langue" with the passage of time is equally crucial. Saussure urges a reevaluation, asserting that examining the community of speakers alone, devoid of temporal context, overlooks the profound effects of social forces on language:

“…if one looked at the community of speakers without taking the passage of time into account, one would not see the effect of social forces acting upon the language. In order to come to terms with reality, therefore, one must supplement our first diagram (langue/masse parlante) by some indication of the passage of time…”

The Principle of Continuity and Altered Realities

“When this (time) is taken into account, the language is no longer free from constraints, because the passage of time allows social forces to be brought to bear upon it”.

Supplementing the initial understanding with the acknowledgment of time adds a crucial layer to the exploration. Although the linguistic sign initially implies the theoretical freedom of Langue, it becomes evident that this freedom is tempered by the influence of time and social forces. The intertwining of time and formidable social forces transforms language into a complex entity, challenging the perception of it being a simple, modifiable convention based on rational principles.

The recognition of the inseparable relationship between language, the speaking mass, and time is imperative for a comprehensive understanding of linguistic evolution. Saussure's assertion gains depth as the influence of time challenges the idea of a completely free linguistic system. Examining language in isolation from the speaking mass may lead to the misconception of no observable alteration, while studying the speaking mass without considering time overlooks the profound effects of social forces on language. The establishment of the principle of continuity, seemingly restricting freedom of choice, paradoxically paves the way for an inevitable evolution. Continuity implies alteration, elucidating the dynamic and complex nature of linguistic systems as they unfold over time. The interplay between language, time, and social forces thus paints a nuanced picture of the intricate evolution of linguistic realities.

Conclusion

Saussure's exploration into "la langue," the speaking mass ("masse parlante"), and time ("Temps") underscores a profound interconnectedness within the phenomenon of language. The intricate relationship between these elements reveals a nuanced understanding of linguistic evolution. By recognizing the inseparable nature of language and the speaking community, Saussure highlights the intrinsic social reality of "la langue." Moreover, the acknowledgment of time introduces a temporal dimension, revealing how language is not an isolated entity but a dynamic and evolving system influenced by social forces. The principle of continuity emerges as a binding force, shaping the course of language over time. Consequently, the interplay between "la langue," the speaking mass, and time forms an integral framework that deepens our comprehension of the complex and multifaceted nature of linguistic realities.

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, F. (1910-1911). Troisième cours de linguistique générale: d'après les cahiers d'Emile Constantin [Saussure's Third Course of Lectures on General Linguistics: From the Notebooks of Emile Constantin]. (E. Komatsu, Ed.) Gakushûin University, Tokyo. (R. Harris, Trans.) University of Oxford.1993