The Duality of Language: Redefining "History"


Introduction

The term "history," rooted in Greek with "historein" and "histōr," originally conveyed inquiry and knowledge, describing a chronological account of events or incidents. However, when applied to language study, challenges arose in capturing the succession of linguistic events over time, such as changes in usage, phonological variations, semantic shifts, syntactic changes, etc. Saussure recognized that language, unlike other sciences, could not be comprehensively understood by solely focusing on temporal successions. 

While the term 'history,' often perceived as a succession of events in time, may fall short in capturing the nuances of language as a system of values, a more precise understanding emerges with the introduction of 'diachrony.' This term, complemented by its counterpart 'synchrony,' delves deeper into the intricate layers of language evolution.

Exposing Linguistic Challenges with "History"

This shift away from the term 'history' was prompted by Saussure's acknowledgment of the dual axes essential for understanding systems of values:

[115] …distinctions should be drawn on the following basis

1. Axis of simultaneity (AB). This axis concerns relations between things which coexist, relations from which the passage of time is entirely excluded.

2. Axis of succession (CD). Along this axis one may consider only one thing at a time. But here we find all the things situated along the first axis, together with the changes they undergo.

The Dual Nature Challenge: Synchrony and Diachrony

The term "history," with its vague temporal connotations, proved inadequate in encapsulating the complexities of understanding language's dynamic and dual nature:

[116] That is why we must distinguish two branches of linguistics. What should they be called? The terms available are not all equally appropriate to indicate the distinction in question. ‘History’(historie) and ‘historical linguistics’ (linguistique historique) cannot be used, for the ideas associated with them are too vague.

Given the dual essence of language, the term "diachrony," replacing 'history,' required a complementary concept to fully capture its nuances. This need for a comprehensive understanding led to its pairing with the term "synchrony." Together, these terms form a cohesive framework that allows for a more nuanced exploration of language as both a historical evolution and a static system of values. Like a two-headed eagle that should be able to soar and see from different perspectives, one concept serves to define the other, as each head informs and enriches the perception of the other.  

Saussure's Linguistic Revolution: Redefining "History"

He proposed the terms "synchrony" and "diachrony" to describe a language's static state and its phase of evolution, respectively. These terms offer conceptual clarity, differentiating the language's static state at a specific moment from the changes it may undergo over time:

[117] Everything is synchronic which relates to the static aspect of our science, and diachronic everything which concerns evolution. Likewise, synchrony and diachrony will designate respectively a linguistic state and a phase of evolution.

His proposal aligns with the necessity of precisely defining the axes on which the object of study is situated, particularly in sciences dealing with values. By applying this distinction to linguistics, Saussure recognized the importance of addressing both simultaneous relationships and temporal successions for a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic system.

Saussure's Conceptual Web: Understanding La Langue as a System

With the introduction of the paired concepts signified/signifier, and the subsequent inclusion of the solidary terms synchrony/diachrony, Saussure aimed to more effectively capture the dual essence of language. His goal was to construct a conceptual framework that mirrored the intricacies of the linguistic system, illustrating the interdependence of each element. This conceptual web, whether by Saussure's conscious design or not, operates in a manner reminiscent of a linguistic system, where each component cooperates and mutually defines the others. This arrangement aligns with the principle of 'tout se tient,' replicating the functioning of la langue. Saussure's conceptual web, therefore, serves as a scaled-down illustration of how la langue functions as a system of signs, offering valuable insights into the nature of language systems.

Beyond Linguistics: Temporal Challenges in Disciplines of Values

This terminological innovation extends beyond linguistics, underscoring the fundamental difference between disciplines operating with values and how they should be approached temporally. While sciences like astronomy or geology may not grapple with the same temporal challenges, linguistics, economics and similar disciplines demand terminology reflecting the inherent complexity of value systems.

In conclusion, Saussure's revolutionary proposal to replace 'history' with the Janus-like concept synchrony/diachrony enhances our understanding of language as a dynamic system of values. This shift, crucial for linguists, extends to disciplines dealing with values, providing clearer conceptual tools. Saussure's distinctions offer valuable insights into studying language from diverse perspectives, illustrated by a conceptual web. Beyond linguistics, this legacy resonates with disciplines like economics, emphasizing the importance of precise terminology in investigating the complexities of understanding systems of values across various temporal dimensions.

Related post from this blog:

Duality of Sciences Concerned with Values: The Interplay of Change and Stability in Language

https://derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post_31.html

Bibliography

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

John E. Joseph. SAUSSURE. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary

https://www.etymonline.com/word/history#etymonline_v_12040

 

 

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