Semiotics: Langue and Parole

Hello and welcome 

Today, continuing our discussion of Saussurean sign, I would like to elaborate upon the concepts of langue and parole.

Saussure distinguished between the langue and parole. He introduced the terms in his book Course in General Linguistics. These are linguistic terms that describe the abstract rules of language and the actual speech acts that use those rules.  

Langue refers to the structured system of signs and rules shared by an entire linguistic community while parole refers to the actual use of language in speech or writing by individuals.

Saussure advocated that the study of the sign should fall under the domain of langue, as it is concerned with the structural relationships that make meaning possible.

Characteristics of Langue

• The abstract rules and conventions of a language, including grammar, syntax, and phonology 
• A system of signs that exists independently of the individual
• A set of rules that are internalized by a speech or linguistic community 

Characteristics of Parole

• The actual speech acts, such as writing or signing 
• The physical manifestation of langue 
• The individual utterance that is influenced by many factors, including social context, personal style, feelings, and values 

Relationship between langue and parole

• Langue is the basis for parole, and parole is the result of langue 
• Langue is a homogeneous system that exists outside of the individual, while parole is heterogeneous and changes with each utterance 
• Langue is a standardized system that regulates communication, while parole is the individual act of speech 

That is all for today. I will be providing more details on the concept of semiotics in upcoming content. Comment which concepts you want to know in more detail.