Here's why:
* Saussure's work was largely posthumous: His groundbreaking ideas, which formed the basis of structuralism, were developed in his lectures at the University of Geneva but were only published after his death in 1916 by his students. This means his influence on the field wasn't immediate.
* Precursors to Saussure: While Saussure significantly advanced the study of language, there were many linguists before him who contributed to the development of the field. For instance, the Indian grammarians Panini and Bhartrihari had already explored linguistic concepts centuries before Saussure.
* Linguistics is a multifaceted field: Saussure focused on synchrony (language at a specific point in time), but diachronic linguistics (the study of language change) also exists. Many other scholars contributed to the development of different branches of linguistics.
However, Saussure's impact was profound:
* Shifting focus to structure: Saussure emphasized the systematic structure of language, with elements like phonemes, morphemes, and syntax working together. This shift from a focus on historical development to language as a system was revolutionary.
* Sign theory: His concept of the linguistic sign, comprising a signifier (sound image) and signified (concept), became fundamental to understanding how language works.
* Influence on later theories: Saussure's ideas continue to influence many linguistic theories, from structuralism and generative grammar to discourse analysis and sociolinguistics.
In summary, Ferdinand de Saussure was a crucial figure in the development of modern linguistics, but he wasn't the sole originator. He was a pioneer who laid the groundwork for many of the key concepts and methodologies that shape the field today.