Linguistic Signified vs. Linguistic Signifier

Attribute	Linguistic Signified	Linguistic Signifier
Definition	The concept or meaning conveyed by a linguistic sign	The physical form or representation of a linguistic sign
Relationship	It is the meaning or concept associated with the signifier	It is the physical form or representation that carries the signified
Abstract or Concrete	Abstract	Concrete
Examples	Love, happiness, justice	Words, sounds, gestures
Interpretation	Subjective and can vary between individuals or cultures	Objective and can be analyzed or studied
Representation	Represents ideas, concepts, or objects	Represents the physical manifestation of those ideas, concepts, or objects

Introduction

In the field of linguistics, Ferdinand de Saussure introduced the concepts of linguistic signified and linguistic signifier, which are fundamental to understanding the relationship between language and meaning. These two components are interconnected and work together to create the sign, which is the basic unit of language. While the signifier represents the physical form of a word or sound, the signified refers to the mental concept or meaning associated with that form. In this article, we will explore the attributes of linguistic signified and linguistic signifier, highlighting their significance in the study of semiotics and language.

Linguistic Signified

The linguistic signified refers to the mental concept or meaning that is associated with a particular signifier. It represents the abstract or cognitive aspect of language, where words or sounds evoke specific ideas, emotions, or references in our minds. The signified is not a tangible or physical entity but rather a mental representation that is shared within a linguistic community. For example, when we hear the word "dog," the signified may include mental images of a furry, four-legged animal, barking, loyalty, or any other associations we have with the concept of a dog.

One important attribute of the linguistic signified is its arbitrariness. Saussure argued that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the two. The connection is established through convention and agreement within a specific language community. For instance, the word "dog" in English represents the same signified as "chien" in French or "perro" in Spanish, even though the signifiers differ. This arbitrariness allows for the diversity of languages and the potential for translation between them.

Another attribute of the linguistic signified is its potential for multiple interpretations or connotations. Words or signs can have different meanings depending on the context, cultural background, or personal experiences of the individuals involved. For example, the word "home" may evoke feelings of comfort and security for some, while for others, it may bring up memories of a difficult childhood or a sense of displacement. These subjective interpretations highlight the dynamic nature of language and the role of individual perspectives in shaping meaning.

Furthermore, the linguistic signified is not fixed or static. Meanings can evolve and change over time due to various factors such as cultural shifts, technological advancements, or social developments. For instance, the word "tweet" used to primarily refer to the sound made by birds, but with the rise of social media, it has acquired a new signified related to posting short messages on platforms like Twitter. This fluidity of meaning demonstrates the adaptability of language and its ability to reflect and respond to societal changes.

Lastly, the linguistic signified is influenced by the collective understanding and shared knowledge within a linguistic community. The meanings associated with words or signs are not solely determined by individual interpretations but are shaped by the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which they are used. For example, the signified of the word "freedom" may differ between societies with different political systems or historical experiences. This cultural relativity highlights the importance of considering the broader context when analyzing linguistic signified.

Linguistic Signifier

The linguistic signifier refers to the physical form or representation of a word or sound. It is the tangible aspect of language that can be perceived through our senses, such as hearing or seeing. The signifier can take various forms, including spoken words, written symbols, gestures, or even non-verbal cues. It is through the signifier that the signified is communicated and understood by individuals within a linguistic community.

One attribute of the linguistic signifier is its materiality. It exists in the physical world and can be recorded, written, spoken, or transmitted through various mediums. For example, the signifier for the word "apple" can be the written letters "a-p-p-l-e," the spoken sounds /ˈæpəl/, or even a visual representation of an apple. The materiality of the signifier allows for its transmission and preservation over time, enabling communication across generations and geographical boundaries.

Another attribute of the linguistic signifier is its capacity for variation and diversity. Different languages and dialects may have distinct signifiers for the same signified, reflecting the cultural and linguistic differences between communities. For instance, the signifier for the concept of "mother" can be "mama" in English, "umma" in Korean, or "madre" in Spanish. These variations in signifiers contribute to the richness and diversity of languages worldwide.

The linguistic signifier is also subject to the rules and structures of a particular language system. Each language has its own phonetic, phonological, and grammatical rules that govern the formation and organization of signifiers. These rules determine how sounds or symbols are combined to create meaningful units, such as words or sentences. For example, in English, the signifier "cat" consists of three phonemes /k/, /æ/, and /t/, which are combined according to the language's phonological rules. Understanding these rules is crucial for language acquisition and effective communication.

Furthermore, the linguistic signifier can be influenced by historical and etymological factors. Words or signifiers often have a historical lineage and can be traced back to their origins, revealing connections and influences between languages. For instance, the English word "telephone" has its roots in Greek, with "tele" meaning "far" and "phone" meaning "sound." Exploring the etymology of signifiers provides insights into the historical development and interconnectedness of languages.

Lastly, the linguistic signifier can be subject to ambiguity or multiple interpretations. Homonyms, homophones, or words with similar sounds but different meanings, can create confusion or require additional context to determine the intended signified. For example, the signifier "bark" can refer to the sound made by a dog or the outer covering of a tree. Disambiguating such signifiers relies on the context in which they are used and the shared knowledge of the linguistic community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of linguistic signified and linguistic signifier are essential in understanding the relationship between language and meaning. The linguistic signified represents the mental concept or meaning associated with a signifier, while the linguistic signifier refers to the physical form or representation of a word or sound. These two components work together to create signs, which are the building blocks of language. The linguistic signified is characterized by its arbitrariness, potential for multiple interpretations, fluidity, and cultural relativity. On the other hand, the linguistic signifier is characterized by its materiality, variation, adherence to language rules, historical influences, and potential for ambiguity. By examining these attributes, we gain a deeper understanding of how language functions as a system of communication and how meaning is constructed and conveyed through linguistic signs.