Saussure on Terms, Values, Words and Meanings: Insights from Constantin's Notebooks
Introduction In his lecture on June 30, 1911, Ferdinand de Saussure explores the intricate relationship between the value of terms and the meanings of words. His challenge lies in addressing the complex interplay among the concepts of term, value, word, meaning, concept, and auditory image . These closely interrelated concepts often seem interchangeable, yet Saussure insists on maintaining clear distinctions to avoid significant misunderstandings, as language depends on both similarities and differences : "It (language) has no immediately perceptible entities. And yet one cannot doubt that they exist, or that the interplay of these units is what constitutes linguistic structure." (CGL 149) Integrating Derrida's concept of 'hinge' into this discussion (signifying both a break or breach and a joint or link) will help illustrate the dual nature of linguistic units. In this lesson, Saussure also critiques the nomenclaturist view of language, which treats...