Analisis Semiotika Ferdinand de Saussure

Summary

In this lecture, the speaker introduces Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotics, a framework for understanding signs and language. Saussure's ideas on synchrony and diachrony, signifier and signified, and langue and parole provide the foundation for structuralism in linguistics. The discussion emphasizes how language evolves (diachronic) versus studying it at a specific moment (synchronic), and the relationship between signs and their meanings. Saussure’s concepts, initially applied to linguistics, extend to fields like philosophy, sociology, and communication studies. The lecture prepares students to explore Saussure’s impact on the broader study of semiotics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ferdinand de Saussure was a linguist who laid the foundation for semiotics, the study of signs, which later influenced various fields including philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and communication.
• 😀 Saussure introduced two major concepts: synchronic linguistics (studying language at a specific point in time) and diachronic linguistics (studying language change over time).
• 😀 Synchronic linguistics focuses on the structure and usage of language at a given time, while diachronic linguistics examines how languages evolve and change over time.
• 😀 An example of diachronic change is the shift in the use of the word 'perempuan' (woman) over 'wanita' (lady) in Indonesian.
• 😀 Semiotics involves two key components: 'signifier' (the physical form of the sign, such as a sound or image) and 'signified' (the concept or meaning represented by the sign).
• 😀 Saussure’s theory of signs asserts that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, meaning it is based on social conventions, not a natural link.
• 😀 An example of signifier and signified is the visual image of a tree (signifier) representing the mental concept of 'tree' (signified).
• 😀 The difference between the 'langue' (the abstract system of language rules) and 'parole' (the concrete use of language in speech) is a crucial aspect of Saussure's semiotic theory.
• 😀 'Langue' refers to the underlying structure of language, which governs how language is used, while 'parole' refers to the actual spoken or written expression of that structure.
• 😀 Saussure’s structuralism theory emphasizes that all linguistic and semiotic phenomena are governed by underlying structures, which determine how we interpret and use signs in communication.

Q & A

What is semiotics according to Ferdinand de Saussure?

Semiotics is the study of signs and how meaning is constructed through the relationship between signs and their meanings. Saussure's contribution is foundational in understanding how signs work within language and communication systems.

What are the two main approaches to understanding linguistics as introduced by Saussure?

Saussure introduces two approaches: diachronic and synchronic linguistics. Diachronic linguistics focuses on the historical development and changes in language over time, while synchronic linguistics studies language at a specific point in time, analyzing the structure and usage of language.

How does the diachronic approach differ from the synchronic approach?

Diachronic linguistics focuses on the changes in language across different periods, examining how words and structures evolve over time. Synchronic linguistics, on the other hand, analyzes language at a particular point in time without considering historical changes.

What is the relationship between 'signified' and 'signifier' in Saussure's semiotics?

'Signified' refers to the concept or meaning that a sign represents, while 'signifier' is the physical form of the sign, such as a word or image. These two elements are inseparable and together form the sign.

Can you provide an example to illustrate the 'signified' and 'signifier' concept?

For example, the word 'tree' is a signifier (the word itself), and the concept of a tree that it represents is the signified. Both are connected and form the complete sign in communication.

What does Saussure mean by 'arbitrary' in the context of signs?

Saussure argues that the relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary, meaning it is not naturally linked. The connection between a word (signifier) and its meaning (signified) is socially constructed, not inherent.

What is the role of 'langue' and 'parole' in Saussure’s theory?

In Saussure's theory, 'langue' refers to the abstract system of language, the rules and conventions that govern communication, while 'parole' refers to the concrete use of language in actual speech or writing. Langue is the structure, and parole is the application of that structure.

How does the example of a chess knight relate to Saussure's theory of 'langue' and 'parole'?

In the context of chess, the movement of the knight is governed by specific rules (langue), but how an individual player moves the knight within those rules is an example of parole, the concrete application of language or rules.

What does Saussure's structuralism influence in the field of communication?

Saussure’s structuralism has a significant influence on communication studies, emphasizing the importance of understanding language and signs as part of a larger system of meaning. This approach has impacted fields like anthropology, sociology, and especially communication theory.

What does Saussure’s theory tell us about the way language and culture are intertwined?

Saussure’s theory suggests that language is a system of signs that reflect cultural meanings. The way we use language is shaped by cultural conventions and social structures, making communication deeply tied to cultural understanding and societal norms.