对索绪尔有关语言符号任意性的再思考

Some Thoughts on Saussure's Arbitrariness of Language

语言符号的任意性学说是索绪尔创建结构主义的理论支柱 ,是全面理解索绪尔思想理论体系的关键。因此 ,多少年来 ,对任意性学说的研究经久不衰 ,研究者们仁者见仁 ,智者见智 ,各自发表对语言符号任意性的理解。但是 ,至今尚未得出令人满意的结论。本文全面考察了索绪尔对于语言符号任意性的有关论述及其有关讨论 ,以及我们现在所了解的语言现象 ,讨论了语言符号是否具有任意性这一重要理论问题。文章在结论中指出 ,迄今为止 ,证明语言符号具有任意性的论据不能令人信服。另外 ,在讨论语言符号的任意性问题时 ,还存在着一些概念上的混淆 ,有待进一步深入地研究。

Saussure's theory on the arbitrariness of language forms the basis of structuralism, and it is vitally important for the understanding of his overall theoretical framework. For decades, researchers have been studying this subject, putting forward their own opinions or their understanding of Saussure's theory. But so far, there is still not a satisfying conclusion. This article makes a comprehensive study on Saussure's theory on the arbitrariness of language and shows some unfavorable comments on his theory. What's more, the article also shows that, so far as we know, language is motivated. In the conclusion, the author points out that, so far, there is no convincing proof that language is arbitrary and further study is needed to distinguish some important concepts involved in the understanding of the arbitrariness of language.