The Double Nature of Language: Between Stability and Change
Introduction Language has long resisted rigid definitions. Even Ferdinand de Saussure, one of the most influential linguists, struggled to conceptualize it. He likened language to Proteus , the shape-shifting Greek deity, emphasizing its elusive and ever-changing character. As recorded in Émile Constantin’s notebooks, Saussure stated: "Language is a field which is complex, protean and heterogeneous in its various facets." This paradox is at the heart of linguistic theory. On one hand, language is a system, inherited from previous generations and functioning as a shared code among speakers. On the other, it is a dynamic entity, continuously evolving as society, technology, and cultural trends reshape communication. In Course in General Linguistics , Saussure acknowledged this duality, distinguishing between language as a social structure and as an individual phenomenon. This article will explore how language maintains stability while remaining subject to constant tr...