Cours 1 : What is Language ?

Question 1

what is language ?

Answer 1

a semiotic system

conveys meanings, has rules/principles

Question 2

specific distinctions in language

Answer 2

formal VS functional approaches

structure VS functions

descriptive VS prescriptive approaches

Question 3

are these approaches influenced by neighbouring disciplines ?

Answer 3

yes

Question 4

Ferdinand de Saussure

Answer 4

founding father of modern linguistics, known for his dichotomies to specify and refine what linguistics are about -> analytical perspective

“the object of linguistics is the internal and synchronic study of systems of signs constitutive of language states”

Question 5

internal VS external linguistics

Answer 5

external : it studies language in its relationship with external facts

internal : it studies what is inherent to the linguistic system (S)

Question 6

evolution of nomenclature

Answer 6

before : each noun corresponds to an object of the world

Saussure : language is a system of signs, a homogeneous set of elements that are negatively determined

Question 7

how can we talk about a stable system if language is a historical phenomenon which is constantly changing ?

Answer 7

diachronic study : language is studied from a historical/evolutionary perspective

synchronic : we consider states of the language at identified times

Question 8

language is a system, but a system of what ?

Answer 8

a sign is a unit made of 2 elements :

signifier : element that is perceptible by our senses, but intellectually represented (leaves a mental trace)

signified : element endowed with meaning (concept)

Question 9

what are the relationships between the elements defining the linguistic system ?

Answer 9

signification : the relationship between the signified and the signifier

value : the relationship from opposition between signs within the linguistic system