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structural linguistics
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Structural linguistics is a study of language based on the theory that language is a structured system of formal units such as sentences andsyntax. (noun)
An example of structural linguistics is phonetics.
Signifier and Signified
 
Saussure's 'theory of the sign' defined a sign as being made up of the matched pair of signifier and signified.Signifier
The signifier is the pointing finger, the word, the sound-image.
A word is simply a jumble of letters. The pointing finger is not the star. It is in the interpretation of the signifierthat meaning is created.
Signified
The signified is the concept, the meaning, the thing indicated by the signifier. It need not be a 'real object' but is some referent to which the signifierrefers.
The thing signified is created in the perceiver and is internal to them. Whilst we share concepts, we do so via signifiers.
Whilst the signifier is more stable, the signified varies betweenpeople and contexts.
The signified does stabilize with habit, as the signifier cues thoughts and images.

Langue and Parole
 
Explanations > Critical Theory > Saussure > Langue andParole
Description | Discussion | See also
 
Description
Langue and parole are more than just 'language and speech' (although this is a useful quick way of remembering them).
Langue
La langue isthe whole system of language that precedes and makes speech possible. A sign is a basic unit of langue.
Learning a language, we master the system of grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation. Theseare all elements of langue.
Langue is a system in that it has a large number of elements whereby meaning is created in the arrangements of its elements and the consequent relationships betweenthese arranged elements.
Parole
Parole is the concrete use of the language, the actual utterances. It is an external manifestation of langue. It is the usage of the system, but not the system....