FloRida, 11/22

Derrida was extremely difficult to understand the first time around and continues to be somewhat difficult to comprehend. After Dr. Rog explained not only quotes but the ideas behind what Derrida thinks and says. I really loved the explanation using the word HELL. When we saw the shell sign and then the word hell, almost the entire class felt as if there was the letter “S” missing from the beginning of the word. It really proves to me how closely images and words are interconnected and their relationship really corresponds to the way we learn and interpret things. There is also major interconnectedness between words with other words. The dictionary activity proved that. Almost every definition has one or more of the same words in the explanation of the meaning of the word. Derrida states that, “There never has been and never will be a unique word, a master name” (140). Every word can be related to another word and end up connecting through what they mean. A word missing a few letters is still understandable when related to something else, especially through a visual aid. We know what the word says and what relation it has to its meaning. Derrida speaks about the idea of “the trace.” The trace is a process of filling in information based on prior knowledge. Every signifier in our culture has traces of others. We use what we already know in order to fill in the missing gap. Previous knowledge is what allows us to be able to understand things within words. Derrida also talked about “logocentrism” which literally means being word centric. Everything in our society involves the use of words. Words give us meaning. This relates to DeSaussure’s notions about language. Language and words are what gives life meaning.