Assignment #4: Ferdinand de Saussure

Ferdinand de Saussure is a linguistic, who was born in Geneva, Switzerland and lived from 1857 to 1913. Saussure is no longer alive, but his work influences many people and disciplines, including anthropology and psychiatry. Saussure’s family was compiled of many scientists and well educated individuals, which prompted him to become studious (Kemmer). At the age of fifteen, he knew and was studying various languages. He went to school and got his Ph.D. at the University of Leipzig and then went to the University of Berlin and the University of Geneva for additional studies (Ferdinand De Saussure - Biography).   

During his time at these universities, when he was twenty-one, he wrote and published a book on his dissertation. His dissertation research involved comparing linguistics. Saussure’s work on linguistics involved distinguishing the differences between language and speech. Saussure’s theories of the human language are that human language is signs and the semiotic system, which says that an idea is not linked to the sound of the word and that a “signifier is of a linear nature” (Ferdinand De Saussure). Based on this semiotic system, Saussure believes value is a sign that is dependent on the rest of the system. Other research and studying that Saussure did was chemistry, theology, law Latin, Greek, and many other languages.

Works Cited:

"Ferdinand De Saussure - Biography." Ferdinand De Saussure- Swiss Linguist and Philosopher. European Graduate School, n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.egs.edu/library/ferdinand-de-saussure/biography/>.

"Ferdinand De Saussure." Ferdinand De Saussure. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.brysons.net/academic/saussure.html>.

Kemmer, Suzanne. "Ling 403: Foundations of Linguistics." Ferdinand De Saussure Biography. Rice University, 24 Aug. 2009. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~kemmer/Found/saussurebio.html>.