Fairness in Linguistics: Saussure's Challenge to Ethnocentric Attitudes

 Introduction

In his lectures, Saussure addressed "Languages and Geographical Diversity," raising awareness on societies' ethnocentric attitudes toward linguistic differences. Communities often see their own language as superior, deeming those who speak differently as having speech defects. Despite being central to the science of language, linguistic diversity has historically been misunderstood and undervalued. Saussure argued that acknowledging and studying this wide range of expressions is crucial for the field to develop as a scientific discipline. He emphasized that linguistics arose from the need to understand and compare different languages, underscoring the importance of plurality and advocating for a broader acceptance of all forms of languages and dialects as fundamental to human interaction:

“The diversity of languages is indeed the fundamental fact (Le fait primordial)” (Constantin's Notebook I 12a).

Lessons from the Past: Embracing Diversity and Promoting Inclusion in Linguistics

On November 8, 1910, Saussure discussed "Languages and Geographical Diversity," noting that societies often hold ethnocentric views on linguistic plurality, treating other languages as inferior. This tendency is universal, as communities generally regard their own way of speaking as superior. Saussure pointed out that this ethnocentrism exists not only in advanced societies but also among so-called primitive peoples, flattening the ground without privileging either group.

“Every people regularly treats its own speech as superior, and even among primitive peoples anyone who speaks differently is ordinarily considered as having a speech defect” (Constantin's Notebook I 12a).

Cultural Bias: Ethnocentrism in Language

Drawing from his extensive knowledge of ancient languages like Greek, Latin and Sanskrit, Saussure made the observation that the phenomenon of labeling different speakers as stammerers (Βάρβαρος, balbus, mlêchâs) or inferior is widespread. Terms like "barbaros" and "balbus" illustrate implicit ethnocentrism. The Greek "βάρβαρος" and the Latin "balbus" share a common root, with "βάρβαρος" meaning someone speaking incomprehensibly and "balbus" implying stammering. Similarly, the Hindu term "mlêchâs" refers to those speaking improperly.

Saussure deemed these ethnocentric ideas erroneous, noting that misconceptions about language are universal. The belief that different forms of expression indicate an inability to speak properly is a common error arising from cultural bias and a lack of appreciation for linguistic diversity:

“Erroneous ideas about all kinds of linguistic phenomena are universal: the fact of speaking differently is construed as an inability to speak - this is one such error” (Constantin's Notebook I 12a).

The Central Role of Diversity in Linguistics: The Outside is the Inside

Saussure argued that the heterogeneity of languages is “the fundamental fact in linguistics” (Le fait primordial). Linguistics would not exist without this multiplicity:

“As far as linguistics is concerned, the diversity of languages is indeed the fundamental fact. There was no linguistics until attention focused on this diversity, which gradually led to comparison and step by step towards the general idea of linguistics” (Constantin's Notebook I 12a).

Saussure noticed that people consider other languages as external and inferior, but paradoxically, this very richness is central to linguistics, not peripheral. He was aware that the relationship between the centre and the periphery is anything but simple. Derrida echoes this idea in Of Grammatology, highlighting the complexity of this relationship:

"The outside bears with the inside a relationship that is, as usual, anything but simple exteriority" (Derrida, 1997).

Thus, linguistic diversity, despite common misconceptions, is the core fact upon which the field of linguistics is built. Recognizing this centrality allows for a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of all human languages and dialects.

Conclusion

Saussure's lessons highlight the ethnocentric attitudes that lead societies to view their language as superior and others as inferior. He illustrates this with historical terms like "βάρβαρος," "balbus," and "mlêchâs" used to describe foreign speakers as stammerers. Contrary to widespread beliefs, understanding and accepting heterogeneity is crucial, as it forms the foundation of linguistics. Recognizing and studying this multiplicity enabled the systematic study of language, promoting diversity and inclusion within the science. By embracing this wide spectrum of tongues, scholars can advance our understanding of all human languages and dialects in a more comprehensive and scientific way. This inclusive approach not only enriches the field but also fosters greater appreciation and respect for linguistic variation in human societies.

Cite this text: 

Rodie. (2024). Return to Saussure. Retrieved from http://www.derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com

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 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

Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Corrected Edition. Translated by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997. Copyright © 1974, 1976, 1997 by The Johns Hopkins University Press.