structuralism.pptVIP

Structuralism De Saussure and Claude Levi-Strauss Outline Starting Questions F. de Saussure: general intro; our reading; final questions Levi Strauss: general intro; our reading; final questions Starting Questions What is structuralism? And structural linguistics, structural anthropology? Do you agree with the basic assumptions of structuralism? Do you find today’s readings difficult or interesting or ? Ferdinand de Saussure Language as a ‘system of signs’ rather than a naming process. A sign is composed of ‘sound-image’ and ‘concept,’ or signifier and signified. The relationship between signifier and signified is arbitrary. Language as a system of difference: “in language there are only differences without positive terms.’ Synchronic approach: with an analogy to chess game. Signification and value System of Language Saussure: “Language is a system of inter-dependent terms in which the value of each term results solely from the simultaneous presence of others” (textbook: 969) Two dimensions of language— a sign is always in paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations with other signs. Introduction, Chap III. The Object of Linguistics Place of Language in the Facts of Speech; p. 960 Semiology and the importance of language; p. 961-62 Sign, signified and signfier p. 963 Principle I: arbitrariness p. 964; onomatopeia 965; interjections 966 Principle II: linear nature of the signifier; two axis—axis of simultaneities; axis of succession Chess game as an example of synchrony. Part II, Chap IV Language as Organized Thought Coupled with Sound p. 966- Linguistic value from a conceptual viewpoint * system of relations: exchange and comparison 969 * the difference between signification and value 970; * different languages // different conceptual frameworks 3. Linguistic value from a material viewpoitn Arbitrary and differentail are two correlative qualities. 971 Letters –completely negative and differential. Part II, Chap IV (2) 4. The Sign Con