A linguistic system is a series of differences of sound combined with a series of differences of ideas...
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
The very special place that a language occupies among institutions is undeniable, but there is much more to be said-, a comparison would tend rather to bring out the differences.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Language holds a unique position among institutions, and understanding it requires recognizing its distinct qualities.
Ferdinand De Saussure highlights the significance of language within the framework of societal institutions. He suggests that while it is essential to acknowledge the special role language plays, a deeper analysis should focus on its uniqueness and the complexities that distinguish it from other institutions, implying that language is a foundation for understanding human communication and social interaction.
Themes
LanguageInstitutionsCommunicationSocietyPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the role of language in education, one could quote Saussure to emphasize the importance of understanding language beyond mere words.
More from Ferdinand De Saussure
All quotes βLinguistics will have to recognise laws operating universally in language, and in a strictly rational manner, separating general phenomena from those restricted to one branch of languages or another.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
Psychologically our thought-apart from its expression in words-is only a shapeless and indistinct mass.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
Any psychology of sign systems will be part of social psychology - that is to say, will be exclusively social; it will involve the same psychology as is applicable in the case of languages.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
Written forms obscure our view of language. They are not so much a garment as a disguise.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
Speech has both an individual and a social side, and we cannot conceive of one without the other.
Ferdinand De SaussureRead
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