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  Introduction: A fascinating correlation emerges between the profound philosophical insights of Buddhism and the illuminating linguistic theories of Ferdinand de Saussure. Saussure's early career hinted at a fundamental concept: language embodies difference without inherently positive terms. This notion, deeply embedded in Saussure's linguistic theory, finds intriguing parallels in Buddhist philosophy, which perceives reality as transient and lacking inherent essence and emphasizes the impermanent and interdependent nature of existence, often employing metaphors such as the echo and the soap bubble. Exploring the connections between Saussure's linguistic theory and Buddhist philosophy offers insights into language, thought and reality. Buddhist Philosophy and the Nature of Reality: In Buddhism, the phenomenal realm is often portrayed as transient and lacking inherent substance, akin to an echo or a soap bubble. Just as an echo emerges and dissipates without leavi...

  Lacan's Selective Reading of Saussure: Another Misguided Arrow? Introduction: Understanding the dynamics between the signifier and the signified, as expounded in Course in General Linguistics (CGL), forms a cornerstone of linguistic theory. Saussure's depiction of the sign, represented by a diagram illustrating the intimate relationship between the signified and the signifier, sets the stage for understanding language structure. However, Lacan's reinterpretation of Saussure's theories, particularly regarding the primacy of the signifier and the notion of "pure signifiers," introduces complexities that warrant careful examination. This article explores Lacan's selective reading of Saussure's work, considering its implications for linguistic theory and practice. Understanding the Sign in Part One of the CGL: In Part One of the CGL , General Principles, Chapter 1, §1 Sign, signification, signal, [CGL] [97], Saussure's depiction of the sign...

In a given language, all the words which express neighboring ideas help define one another’s meaning . No word has a value that can be identified independently of what else there is in its vicinity. [CGL] [160-161] On Defining "La Langue": Saussure's Differential Approach Introduction In Saussure's seminal work "Course in General Linguistics" we read that within a language, words expressing neighbouring ideas mutually define each other's meaning. This assertion stems from his belief that language's essence lies in its differential character. According to Saussure, language is a system where meaning arises from differences, rather than intrinsic qualities. Words derive signification from their relationships within the linguistic system, rather than possessing inherent sense. Defining "La Langue" In Chapter 3 of the introduction to the Cours, section §2 Linguistic structure: Its place among the facts of language , Saussure elucidat...

   c’est une mauvaise méthode que de partir des mots pour définir les choses. [CGL] [31] Introduction The notion of value, originally drawn from economics and metaphorically adapted within linguistics by Ferdinand de Saussure, forms a cornerstone of his language theory. This concept permeates through every layer of language, spanning from the phonological to the morphological, lexical, and syntactical levels. According to Saussure, linguistic signs, phonemes, and grammatical facts are values, where what best describes them is their difference from the other elements of the system. To further explore this intricate interplay of values within language, we will now examine how these ideas are developed in Course in General Linguistics . Here, we can trace the evolution of Saussure's thoughts and observe how he systematically dismantles the simplistic nomenclature view in favor of a more complex, differential system of linguistic values. This approach will allow us to un...