Tracing Words: Etymological Insights across Time and Geography

 Introduction

"Glas" is a complex, experimental work by Jacques Derrida that intertwines analyses of Hegel's philosophy with Jean Genet's writing. It's structured with two columns, one discussing Hegel and the other Genet, using various quotations and marginalia. Typography plays a crucial role in both the presentation and argumentation of the text (Wikipedia).

Interwoven with one of the columns, Derrida engages with Saussure's theory,  precisely, of that page of the Course that establishes linguistics in its patronage: "The glas fleshes [ acharne] a grammatological reading of Saussure, always, precisely, of that page of the Course that establishes linguistics in its patronage" (Derrida, 1986).

"Glas" (which? where? when?)

Bird's Eye View: Voyage Through Time and Space

Before Derrida got to the above quote where he engages with Saussure, he traces the evolution of the term "class" across different languages and time periods. He starts with the Latin origin of the term, "classicus," which originally referred to a citizen of the highest rank in Roman society. From there, he explores how the term evolved in French and other languages, taking on meanings related to categorization and classification.

Subsequently, the term "glas" is explored etymologically and historically. He links it to the idea of a trumpet signal, originally used in ancient Rome to gather people together. Over time, "glas" came to signify various forms of ringing or noise, including the ringing of bells at a funeral. Let's delve into the crux of this analysis.

Etymological Exploration of "Class":

• Origin: Latin "classicus" denoted a top-tier Roman citizen.
• Evolution in French: "Classique" extended to eminent individuals and academic literature.
• Emergence of "classicisme": Advocated devotion to ancient writers.
• Further Expansion: "Classique" encompassed exemplary works in education.

Development of "Class" in Different Contexts:

• Military Origin: Initially denoted military divisions, later applied to social status.
• Versatility: Used for categorizing animals and vegetables.
• Educational Context: Defined student groups and classroom instruction.

Etymology and Evolution of "Glas":

• Latin and Old French Roots: Originally described ringing noises, including bell tolls.
• Expanded Meanings: Included bell tolls for death announcements and military funeral cannon shots.

Connection between "Class" and "Glas":

• While "class" predominantly denotes categorization and classification, "glas" encompasses the notion of signaling or summoning, particularly through auditory means like the tolling of bells or sounding of trumpets. This connection underscores the broader theme of gathering or assembling, whether among citizens in Roman society, students in educational settings, or sailors in the military, resonating with the idea of "glas" as a signal for collective action or mourning.

In weaving together the analyses of "class" and "glas," Derrida intends to shed light on their linguistic nuances across diverse historical and cultural contexts, highlighting the impossibility of fixed meaning and invites readers to reconsider the fluidity and complexity of language, identity, and being. From this perspective, the concept of "glas" emerges as a central motif, representing the indeterminacy and instability inherent in all systems of classification and categorization.

After this exhaustive analysis, everything seems to be in place for a grammatological reading of Saussure.

A Grammatological Reading of Saussure: The Violent Institution of the Patronage

We finally arrive at that page of "Glas" where Derrida quotes Saussure and evaluates his theory:

“The glas fleshes [ acharne] a grammatological reading of Saussure, always, precisely, of that page of the Course that establishes linguistics in its patronage” (Derrida, 1986).

Through the etymological and historical analysis presented in the preceding pages, Derrida has prepared the readers so that when they encounter the sentence, "The glas fleshes [ acharne] a grammatological reading of Saussure…", the impossibility of a clear and fixed meaning becomes self-evident. The expression becomes nonsensical; at best, one wonders in what sense "glas" should be interpreted here.

But wait a minute, is there anything here we could object to in Derrida's line of reasoning from a semiological perspective?

How Language Works:  Synchronic and Diachronic Linguistics

Synchronic and diachronic linguistics focus on different aspects of language:

The contrast between the two points of view – synchronic and diachronic – is absolute and admits no compromise. [CGL] [119]

The synchronic perspective, as emphasized by Saussure, regards language as a snapshot of its current state, akin to observing a chess game mid-play without knowledge of prior moves. Language users interact with their language in the present without necessarily being aware of its historical evolution:

…for the community of language users, the synchronic point of view is the one and only reality. The same is true for the linguist. [CGL] [128]

Therefore, when analyzing language from a synchronic standpoint, we should exclude considerations of its historical development. Conversely, the diachronic approach involves studying language as a sequence of historical changes, potentially clouding our understanding of its current state. While both approaches have merits, Saussure suggests that focusing solely on diachrony may lead to an incomplete grasp of language:

…the linguist who wishes to understand this synchronic state must rule out of consideration everything which brought that state about, and pay no attention to diachrony. Only by suppressing the past can he enter into the state of mind of the language user. The intervention of history can only distort his judgment. [CGL] [117]

The distinction between synchronic and diachronic approaches to the study of language is poised to challenge Derrida's analysis of 'Glas.' His argument will lose its sting because this division will circumscribe the meaning of the term to a specific language system, thus bracketing it from the boundless apeiron. There is no universal signified. Signifieds do not travel through space and time but are contingent on a specific semiological system, where their value depends both on the system itself where they are embedded and on their simultaneous articulation with a signifier. Tracing 'Glas' is surely healthy mental gymnastics for the grammatologist, but of no practical use for language users:

…the language user is unaware of the succession of linguistic facts in time: he is dealing with a state. [CGL] [117]

… a language is a system of pure values, determined by nothing else apart from the temporary state of its constituent elements.  [CGL] [116]

Partial Conclusion

The etymology of words is a fascinating study that has long captivated grammarians. However, amidst their investigation, they should avoid falling into the trap of conflating the synchronic and diachronic perspectives, thereby blurring the lines between the historical trajectory of a word and its present-day meaning. As Saussure wisely warned, it's important to note that the essence of a word lies not in its historical baggage but rather in its relational dynamics within the linguistic system.

Consider "class" within this context. While it may have once had other meanings, its contemporary signification arises from its contrast with other terms in the language system. In educational settings, it delineates groups of students not by their historical origins but by their relation to the broader educational framework.

Similarly, "glas" may have originated as a sound signaling death or assembly, but its modern-day usage is defined by its position within the system. The tolling of bells may evoke notions of mourning or commemoration, but these meanings emerge not from its historical roots but from its juxtaposition with other signs.

In essence, Saussurean linguistics offers a profound insight: the meaning of a word is neither universal nor solely determined by its historical journey. Instead, it emerges from a dynamic interplay of relations and contrasts within the linguistic system. The language user, situated in a particular synchronic state , navigates this intricate web of signs, finding meaning not in the annals of history, but in the present moment of linguistic exchange. Thus, while the etymological journey of words may captivate scholars, it is within each specific synchronic state that their true identity is revealed, enabling communication and understanding.

Note:

As it might be obvious by now, we only had time and space to address “The glas…” Derrida´s “grammatological reading of Saussure, always, precisely, of that page of the Course that establishes linguistics in its patronage” will be dealt with in our next piece.

Related Posts:

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

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

Bibliography

Saussure, Ferdinand de. 1916. Cours de linguistique générale. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with Albert Riedlinger. Libraire Payot.

Derrida, Jacques. Glas. Translated by John P. Leavey, Jr., and Richard Rand. University of Nebraska Press, 1986.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia