In response to many of the prior posts regarding the readings for Tuesday (1/22), the study of language and semiotics is important in ways that most couldn’t begin to imagine. When beginning the process of studying “signs in language” I had the initial tendency to lean towards a physiological approach to understanding. However, semiology is actually much more closely related to ideology.
The idea that the most definitive role of language is to “serve as a link” between thought and sound is an easily controversial and confusing concept. In simple terms, thought cannot be removed from sound and sound cannot be removed from thought, creating a codependent situation. By conjoining these two units language emerges.
When we think of language we think of words, sentences and paragraphs. However, it is also necessary to consider value and signification. Many believe that there is no difference between value and signification. When referring to the study of language, that assumption could not be farther from the truth. In fact, the differences between these terms are as clear cut and concise as the difference between the act of listening and the act of speaking.
Values are generally defined as being subjective concepts that govern human behavior. The best example I have read yet (after two semesters of studying these concepts) is given by Saussure on page 6 of A Critical and Cultural Theory Reader. I am fluent in French and therefore this comparison was very helpful. He states, “The French word mouton can have the same signification as English sheep but not the same value. When speaking of a piece of meat ready to be eaten English uses mutton instead of sheep. The difference in value between sheep and mouton is due to the fact that sheep has beside it a second term while the French does not.” \
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With all due respect, please explain the relationship between thouth and sound in "sing language" for the deaf! Where is there a more contradicting assertion? Thought and sound? Language as symbols. So far, with all due respect, this blog is full of miopic, self centered individuals trying to impress with their second language fluency, and their misguided understanding of culture, and their obvious effort to get a passing grade or a date, their fellow blogers. The "Sanctum Sanctorum" of linguistics remains hidden to the minds of most of these blogers.. Think before you blog.
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