语言符号的任意性原则的论争

The Debate about the Principle of Arbitrariness of Language Signs

索绪尔认为语言是一个符号系统,是能指和所指的结合体。能指和所指之间的关系是任意的,不可论证的。语言符号的象似性是对索绪尔的任意性原则的挑战。本文通过分析指出任意性是语言符号不可动摇的原则,象似性只能是置于任意性这一根本原则之下的补充,而不可能代替任意性。

Saussure describes language as a system of signs, which is the combination of the signifier and the signified. The relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary and inexplicable. Iconicity is a challenge to Saussure＇s arbitrariness. The article tries to analyze that arbitrariness is the first principle of language signs and that ieonieity cannot replace arbitrariness but can only serve as the supplement to this fundamental principle.