Untitled Flashcards Set

Linguistic signs

Psychological entities comprised of a signifier (sound-image) and a signified (concept) that form the symbolic structure of a language.

Langue

Language as a structured system, distinct from parole, which transforms formless thought and sound into structured forms.

Parole

The act of speaking and writing; the execution of a language.

Langage

Language in general; referred to as a 'total phenomenon' which encompasses all linguistic activities.

Lingua franca

A language that is used as a common means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

Language interpretation of reality

Language does not mirror reality but interprets and classifies it through its structural mechanisms.

Self-regulating system

A characteristic of langue where its linguistic signs have value depending on relationships with other signs.

Perception shaped by language

The idea that language shapes our perception, making phenomena more 'real' once they have a name.

Contrasting words example

Example of how the value of linguistic signs depends on their relations, such as tree, bush, and plant.

Cultural specificity in language

Some languages have words for concepts that others lack, illustrating the different ways cultures can classify reality.