Difference between revisions of "Langue/Parole"
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| − | An important distinction in [[Saussure]]'s [[linguistics]] which poses considerable translation problems. | + | An important [[distinction]] in [[Saussure]]'s [[linguistics]] which poses considerable [[translation]] problems. |
| − | Unlike English, French has two terms that can both mean 'language': ''langage'' and ''langue'', as in ''la langue franCaise'' ('the French language'). | + | Unlike [[English]], [[French]] has two [[terms]] that can both mean 'language': ''[[langage]]'' and ''[[langue]]'', as in ''la langue franCaise'' ('the [[French language]]'). |
| − | ''Langage'' tends, in contrast, to be used of the human faculty of language in the abstract philosophical sense, and not of specific natural languages. | + | ''Langage'' tends, in contrast, to be used of the [[human]] faculty of language in the abstract [[philosophical]] [[sense]], and not of specific [[natural]] [[languages]]. |
| − | ''Parole'' can be translated as both ''speech'' and ''word''. | + | ''[[Parole]]'' can be translated as both ''[[speech]]'' and ''[[word]]''. |
Because it is so difficult to find strict equivalents in English, it has become conventional to use the French terms. | Because it is so difficult to find strict equivalents in English, it has become conventional to use the French terms. | ||
[[Saussure]] follows the norms of French usage in using ''langage'' to refer ot the phenomenon of [[language]] insofar as it is a human attribute. | [[Saussure]] follows the norms of French usage in using ''langage'' to refer ot the phenomenon of [[language]] insofar as it is a human attribute. | ||
| − | ''Langue'', in contrast, is defined as the social aspect of [[language]]. | + | ''Langue'', in contrast, is defined as the [[social]] aspect of [[language]]. |
It has little to do with individuals, and can be described as the product of a [[linguistic]] contact between all members of a [[community]]. | It has little to do with individuals, and can be described as the product of a [[linguistic]] contact between all members of a [[community]]. | ||
| − | ''Langue'' consists of [[sign]]s organized into a system and expressive of ideas. | + | ''Langue'' consists of [[sign]]s organized into a [[system]] and expressive of [[ideas]]. |
| − | As the [[sign]]s constituting it are arbitrary and purely conventional, it is the differences between them that confer [[meaning]] upon them. | + | As the [[sign]]s constituting it are [[arbitrary]] and purely conventional, it is the differences between [[them]] that confer [[meaning]] upon them. |
''Langue'' can therefore be said to be an organized system of differences. | ''Langue'' can therefore be said to be an organized system of differences. | ||
| − | ''Langue'' is the [[object]] of [[semiology]], or the [[science]] that studies the life of [[sign]]s within society. | + | ''Langue'' is the [[object]] of [[semiology]], or the [[science]] that studies the [[life]] of [[sign]]s within [[society]]. |
| − | ''Parole'', in contrast, refers to the individual aspect of [[language]], or to the actual manifestations of ''langue'' in individual [[speech act]]s. | + | ''Parole'', in contrast, refers to the [[individual]] aspect of [[language]], or to the actual manifestations of ''langue'' in individual [[speech act]]s. |
| − | The relationship between ''langue'' and ''parole'' takes the form of a [[dialectic]]: at the level of ''parole'' individuals are creative agents whose linguistic innovations can modify ''langue'', but only by becoming impersonal elements of a system over which individuals have no control. | + | The [[relationship]] between ''langue'' and ''parole'' takes the [[form]] of a [[dialectic]]: at the level of ''parole'' individuals are creative agents whose linguistic innovations can modify ''langue'', but only by becoming impersonal elements of a system over which individuals have no [[control]]. |
The [[dialectic]] between the two aspects of [[language]] is the motor-force behind linguistic evolution. | The [[dialectic]] between the two aspects of [[language]] is the motor-force behind linguistic evolution. | ||
Latest revision as of 00:09, 26 May 2019
An important distinction in Saussure's linguistics which poses considerable translation problems. Unlike English, French has two terms that can both mean 'language': langage and langue, as in la langue franCaise ('the French language'). Langage tends, in contrast, to be used of the human faculty of language in the abstract philosophical sense, and not of specific natural languages. Parole can be translated as both speech and word. Because it is so difficult to find strict equivalents in English, it has become conventional to use the French terms.
Saussure follows the norms of French usage in using langage to refer ot the phenomenon of language insofar as it is a human attribute. Langue, in contrast, is defined as the social aspect of language. It has little to do with individuals, and can be described as the product of a linguistic contact between all members of a community. Langue consists of signs organized into a system and expressive of ideas. As the signs constituting it are arbitrary and purely conventional, it is the differences between them that confer meaning upon them. Langue can therefore be said to be an organized system of differences. Langue is the object of semiology, or the science that studies the life of signs within society.
Parole, in contrast, refers to the individual aspect of language, or to the actual manifestations of langue in individual speech acts. The relationship between langue and parole takes the form of a dialectic: at the level of parole individuals are creative agents whose linguistic innovations can modify langue, but only by becoming impersonal elements of a system over which individuals have no control. The dialectic between the two aspects of language is the motor-force behind linguistic evolution.
