1. The Concept of Langue and Parole: Saussure distinguished between langue, the abstract system of language shared by a community, and parole, the individual instances of language use. This distinction helped focus attention on the underlying structure of language, rather than just its individual manifestations.
2. The Sign as a Two-Sided Entity: Saussure proposed that the basic unit of language, the sign, is composed of two inseparable parts: the signifier (the sound image or written form) and the signified (the concept or meaning). This concept emphasized the arbitrary and conventional nature of language, where the link between signifier and signified is not natural but established through social agreement.
3. The Importance of Synchrony: Saussure stressed the importance of studying language at a specific point in time, known as synchrony, rather than focusing solely on its historical development (diachrony). This shift in perspective led to a more systematic and analytical approach to language analysis.
4. The Notion of Structuralism: Saussure's work laid the foundation for structuralism, a linguistic theory that emphasizes the interconnectedness and relationships between different elements of language. Structuralists believe that language is a system of interconnected signs, and understanding its structure allows us to decipher its meaning.
5. The Concept of Value: Saussure proposed that the meaning of a word is determined by its relationship to other words in the system. The value of a sign is defined by its differences from other signs within the same linguistic system. This concept helps explain how language can be both flexible and precise.
6. The Importance of Semiology: Saussure's work had a significant impact on semiology, the study of signs and symbols in all forms of communication. He recognized that language is a semiotic system, and his theories could be applied to other systems of meaning, including visual arts, music, and culture.
In summary, Saussure's contributions to modern linguistics are profound. His ideas about langue, parole, the sign, synchrony, structuralism, value, and semiology fundamentally changed the way language is understood and studied. His work continues to influence linguists and other scholars today, shaping our understanding of communication and the human mind.