Mimetic Theory of Language and Saussure's Linguistic Evolution

Text Interpretation

• A core characteristic of text interpretation is that it depends on the reader's understanding and is not fixed.

Historical Approach to Language

• The diachronic approach focused on language change over long expanses of time.

Pre-Saussurean Linguistics

• Pre-Saussurean Linguistics believed that the structure of language is based on a direct connection between words and their referents.

Truth

• The most accurate description of truth is that it is subjective and relative.

Mimetic Theory of Language

• According to the mimetic theory of language, a symbol (a word) represents a direct copy of its referent.

Saussure's Synchronic Approach

• Saussure's synchronic approach to language focuses on the language system at a particular point in time, studying how signs relate to each other.

Saussure's View on Language Structure

• Saussure's view on language structure differs from the mimetic theory, as he believes that signs are arbitrary and unrelated to their referents.

Basic Units in Language

• The basic units in a language, according to Saussure, are signs, comprised of a signifier (sound or image) and a signified (concept or meaning).

Map and Collage

• A key difference between a map and a collage is that a map is a fixed representation, while a collage is a dynamic and subjective creation.

Postmodernism

• According to postmodernism, reality is subjective and fragmented, with multiple truths and meanings.

Creating Meaning from a Collage

• The process of creating meaning from a collage involves the reader's interpretation and connection of different elements.

Postmodern Maxim

• The postmodern maxim is that reality is what we construct through our individual perspectives and experiences.

Saussure's Concepts

• In the context of language, 'parole' refers to individual instances of language use, while 'langue' refers to the overall language system.

Derrida's Philosophy

• The main consequence of the reversal of presence and absence established by the transcendental signified in Derrida's philosophy is that it challenges traditional notions of truth and meaning.

Linguistic Sign

• Saussure proposes that in a linguistic sign, the signifier and the signified are arbitrarily related, with no direct connection between the sound/image and the concept/meaning.

Challenging Traditional Worldviews

• Derrida's philosophy challenges traditional worldviews by questioning the existence of fixed, objective truths and meanings.

Rejecting Direct Symbolism

• Saussure rejects the idea of a word being a direct symbol of its referent because it overemphasizes the connection between the signifier and the signified.

Role of Difference

• 'Difference' plays a crucial role in human knowledge and self-identity, as it highlights the uniqueness and individuality of each person's perspective.

Interpretation of Life, Self, and Knowledge

• All interpretation concerning life, self, and knowledge is possible and probable because of the subjective nature of truth and meaning.