Synchronic and Diachronic Linguistics: Geometrical Clarity and Botanical Insight

 

Introduction

Besides the analogy of the game of chess, Saussure employs other captivating comparisons to illustrate the complex relationship between linguistique statique et linguistique dynamique. In the notes of Saussure's students corresponding to the lesson of June 20, 1911, we find a passage where he uses two additional analogies borrowed from the language of optics (le langage de l'optique) to further clarify the complex interplay of dependence and independence between the synchronic and diachronic aspects:

Toujours en empruntant le langage de l'optique, il est juste de parler de deux perspectives fondamentales (car on peut distinguer des sous-perspectives) comme exprimant ce qu'il y a dans un état ou ce qu'il y a dans une diachronie (From the notebooks of Emile Constantin).

These similarities and dissimilarities, says Saussure, are contingent on the point of view adopted by the observer, which is in consonance with his dictum "C'est le point de vue qui crée l'objet." However, they are not solely contingent on the subjective point of view; language itself, the object of study in linguistics, has a double nature. The observer and the object observed are tightly intertwined.

Optical Metaphor: Projection and Independence

Saussure employs the language of geometry to introduce the concept of projection, likening the synchronic fact to a projection on a surface and the diachronic fact to the body being projected:

…c'est d'appeler le fait synchronique une projection de l'autre, de le comparer à <ce qu'est> une projection sur un plan par rapport au corps lui-même qui est projeté (From the notebooks of Emile Constantin).

This analogy exposes the intricate relation between dependence and independence in linguistic analysis. Saussure posits that the synchronic fact, akin to a projection, is not isolated from its diachronic counterpart—the historical reality. The synchronic state of a language is influenced by its historical development, yet it possesses a distinct existence. This independence allows the study of the current state of language without exhaustive exploration of its entire historical evolution. He contends that just as a science of projections is dedicated to understanding how a projection is made onto a plane, the synchronic state of a language can be studied independently.

The analogy challenges the notion that studying historical realities (bodies) will necessarily provide comprehensive insights into synchronic realities (projections). The synchronic reality may reveal linguistic connections not apparent when examining historical realities alone.

Botanical Analogy: Interdependence and Unity

Saussure also uses a botanical analogy in his lessons, exploring the relationship between horizontal and vertical sections made in the stems of plants to further illuminate the synchronic-diachronic relation:

Si l'on sectionne <horizontalement> certains végétaux, on aura devant soi dessin plus ou moins compliqué. Ce dessin n'est autre chose qu'une certaine perspective, une certaine vue que l'on prend des fibres verticales que laissera voir une autre section, la section verticale*. L'une dépend de l'autre 

La section horizontale est déterminée par ce qu'il y a dans le sens vertical, mais cette vue est un fait indépendant de celui que j'ai par le développement vertical <par le fait déjà que section horizontale crée une unité des rapports entre ce qui est à gauche et à droite>. Quand il n'y aurait que ce[ux-]ci, entre ce[ux-]ci une unité. <Les deux choses sont indépendantes.> (From the notebooks of Emile Constantin).

* There seems to be an oversight or a possible error in the text. Should it perhaps read 'horizontal' instead?. For further clarity on the matter, refer to Curse in General Linguistics, Part I, Chapter 3, Section 4.

This analogy highlights the interdependence of the synchronic (horizontal) and diachronic (vertical) perspectives. Saussure likens these perspectives to the two sides of the same sheet of paper, bringing them closer together than the geometry analogy might suggest, where the body and its projection could be perceived as two different entities.

The horizontal section represents the synchronic state, creating unity of relations between elements on the left and right. Saussure asserts that this unity is intrinsic to the synchronic perspective, offering immediate relevance for communication. He acknowledges the impossibility of simultaneous travel in both directions and suggests that the synchronic slice takes priority in linguistic discourse. Speakers perceive the terms and structures in the synchronic state as their linguistic reality, emphasizing its tangible nature.

Bifurcation and Linguistic Choice

Saussure introduces the concept of bifurcation, a separation between static linguistics (focused on the current state) and dynamic linguistics (dealing with historical development). This choice reflects an awareness of the human limitation in ubiquity, emphasizing the inability to traverse both ways simultaneously. Saussure expresses a preference for static linguistics, emphasizing the importance of the synchronic perspective in linguistic analysis while simultaneously acknowledging the significant role of history:

Arrivés à la bifurcation <linguistique statique et linguistique dynamique>, nous choisissons de poursuivre la linguistique statique (From the notebooks of Emile Constantin).

In conclusion, Saussure's analogies unveil the profound philosophical dimensions of general linguistics, exposing the nuanced relationship between synchrony and diachrony. The geometrical and botanical metaphors, along with the chess analogy, serve as concrete tools for comprehending the complexities of language analysis. Saussure challenges the dichotomy by emphasizing that the choice of perspective is a self-reflective inquiry, acknowledging the entanglement of subject and object in the study of language. While critics may perceive his emphasis on choosing between synchrony and diachrony as a forced dichotomy, Saussure argues for the preservation of this distinction to prevent an unreflective approach to language. The dual essence of language is maintained, recognizing the dynamic interplay and inherent complexity in linguistic analysis.

Related post:

Exploring Internal Duality: Synchrony and Diachrony in the History of Linguistics

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post_31.html

 Bibliography

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]. (R. Harris, Trans.) University of Oxford.1993