The Cambridge Companion to Saussure

Ferdinand de Saussure is widely considered to be the founder of both modern linguistics and structuralism. The first to establish the structural study of language, he identified the difference between the system of language (‘Langue’) and the idiosyncratic speech of individuals ('Parole'), and was first to distinguish between the ‘synchronic’ study of language (language at a given time), and the ‘diachronic’ (language as it changes through time). This Companion brings together a team of leading scholars to offer a fresh new account of Saussure's work. As well as looking at his pioneering and renowned Course in General Linguistics of 1916, they consider his lesser-known early work, his more recently-discovered manuscripts, and his influence on a range of other disciplines, such as cultural studies, philosophy, literature and semiotics. With contributions by specialists in each field, this comprehensive and accessible guide creates a unique picture of the lasting importance of Saussure’s thought.

• Offers an up-to-date overview of all Saussure’s work including both the ‘course in general linguistics’ and his more recently discovered work • The assessments of Saussure’s influence on a range of fields are given by leading specialists from around the world • Represents the reception of Saussure in an English-speaking intellectual tradition as well as making available perspectives from other traditions

Contents

Part I. Out of the Nineteenth Century: 1. Saussure and Indo-European linguistics Anna Murpurgo Davies; 2. The Paris years Carol Sanders; 3. The making of the ‘cours de linguistique générale’ Rudolf Engler; 4. The linguistic sign John E. Joseph; 5. ‘Langue’ and ‘parole’ W. Terrence Gordon; 6. System, arbitrariness, value Claudine Normand; Part II. After the ‘Cours’: 7. Saussure and American linguistics Julia S. Falk; 8. Saussure and structuralist linguistics in Europe Christian Puech; 9. The Russian critique of Saussure Stephen Hutchings; 10. Saussure, Barthes and structuralism Steven Ungar; 11. Saussure’s anagrams Peter Wunderli; 12. Saussure and Derrida Geoffrey Bennington; Part IV. New Debates and Directions: 13. Saussure’s unfinished semantics Simon Bouquet; 14. Saussure, linguistic theory and philosophy of science Christopher Norris; 15. Saussure and semiotics Paul Boissac.