Saussure

Signs, System and Arbitrariness

By: David Holdcroft

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Paperback | 19 August 1991

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196 Pages

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21.59 x 13.97 x 1.14

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The Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913) has exerted a profound influence not only on twentieth century linguistics but on a whole range of disciplines within the humanities and social sciences. His central thesis was that the primary object in studying a language is the state of that language at a particular time--a so-called synchronic study. He went on to claim that a language state is a socially constituted system of signs that are quite arbitrary and that can only be defined in terms of their relationship within the system. This new perspective has changed the way people think about linguistics and has led to important attempts to apply structuralist ideas in anthropology, literary criticism, and philosophy. Professor Holdcroft's book expounds and elaborates Saussure's central ideas. It also offers a critical assessment of them, arguing that many of Saussure's claims are either questionable or have been misunderstood. The book will be read with profit by nonspecialists and could be used as a textbook by students of linguistics, philosophy of language, literary criticism and anthropology.

Industry Reviews

"[Holdcroft's] book, which will disturb orthodox Saussureans and invigorate critical ones, deserves to become the lightning rod foor a new wave of Saussure commentary aimed both at upsetting and furthering its conclusions." Language "A concise, clear and sophisticated critique of Saussure's thought, this small book should do much good." Times Literary Supplement

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Language & Linguistics Linguistics Philosophy History of Western Philosophy Western Philosophy

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Published: 19th August 1991

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Preface
Introduction
Saussure's work: its context and significance
The distinction between langue and parole
Language as a system of signs, I: signs, arbitrariness, linearity, and change
Language as a system of signs, II: diachronic and synchronic linguistics
Language as a system of signs, III: identities, system, and relations
Language as a system of signs, IV: values, differences, and reality
Successes and failures
Notes
Bibliography
Index
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Saussure

Signs, System and Arbitrariness

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

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