The terms language, langue, and parole are concepts that were introduced by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure to help explain the structure and function of language. Here are the differences between these concepts explained in easy words:
1. Language: This refers to a system of
communication that is shared by a community of speakers. It is an abstract and
general concept that includes all the rules, conventions, and structures that
make communication possible. Language is a system of symbols and meanings, such
as words, sounds, and gestures, that enable people to communicate with each
other. It is not tied to any particular speaker, but rather exists as a shared
resource that is constantly evolving over time.
2. Langue: This term refers to the abstract,
underlying structure of language. It is the set of rules and conventions that
govern the use of a particular language system. Langue is the study of the
formal aspects of language, such as grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. It is not
tied to any particular speech act or individual, but rather represents the
collective knowledge of a speech community.
3. Parole: This term refers to the actual use of
language by a particular speaker in a particular context. It is the study of
the concrete manifestations of language in speech and writing. Parole includes
the specific choices made by a speaker when using language, such as word
choice, intonation, and emphasis. Parole is the individual's way of using
language to express their own unique ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
In simpler terms, we can think of langue as the abstract system of
language that underlies all language use, while parole is the concrete
manifestation of this system in actual speech and writing. Language is the
broadest term that encompasses both langue and parole.
To further illustrate the differences between these concepts,
let's use an example. Consider the sentence "I am going to the
store." Language refers to the entire system of communication that enables
us to understand and use this sentence. Langue refers to the underlying
structure of the sentence, such as the subject-verb-object order, the use of
the present continuous tense, and the meaning of the words themselves. Parole
refers to the specific way that a particular speaker might use this sentence,
such as their accent, tone of voice, and emphasis on certain words.
In summary, the differences between language, langue, and parole
are as follows: language is a system of communication, langue is the underlying
structure of a particular language, and parole is the individual's use of
language in a particular context. Understanding these concepts can help us
better appreciate the complexity and richness of human language.