索绪尔语言符号系统观的贡献与局限

Saussurean View of Language as a Semiotic System: Contributions and Limitations

系统思想贯穿于索绪尔的《普通语言学教程》。索绪尔语言符号系统观的内涵是什么,这种语言观对现代语言学的发展有何贡献,对语言符号系统的性质有怎样的洞见,索绪尔语言、言语二分法如何得到继承和发展? 本文从语言定义问题入手解读索绪尔语言符号系统观及其影响,以语言学的对象和方法为着眼点阐释索绪尔的贡献,通过探讨语言符号系统的性质分析索绪尔的灼见及局限,最后评述语言、言语二分法的兴与殇。

The view of language as a semiotic system underlies Course in General Linguistics by Saussure. What is meant by the view of language as a system？ What impact has it exerted on later development of linguistics？ What insights have been gained into the na- ture of language in light of this view？ How is the langue-parole dichotomy evaluated and developed by linguists of different schools？ This article, starting from the problem of defining language, expounds the Saussurean view of language as a semiotic sys- tem and its influence, pinpoints its contribution to the development of linguistics as an independent discipline in terms of object of study and methodology, discusses issues concerning the muhi-faceted nature of language, and finally surveys the advantage and disadvantage of the langue-parole distinction in linguistic research.