افاق للعلوم
Volume 10, Numéro 4, Pages 434-442
2025-09-21
"the Arbitrariness Of The Sign In Linguistics And The Arabic Linguistic Heritage"
Authors : Koffi Noureddine .
Abstract
The linguistic sign is a fundamental concept in modern linguistics, introduced by Ferdinand de Saussure, who argued that the relationship between the signifier (word or sound) and the signified (meaning) is arbitrary, relying on social convention rather than a natural connection. This marked a significant shift in linguistic thought, viewing language as a mental and social system rather than a direct reflection of reality. In the Arabic linguistic tradition, although the concept was not expressed in the same terms, scholars explored similar questions about the origin of language. Some believed language was divinely revealed, while others saw it as a result of human convention and agreement. This indicates an awareness of the possibility that the link between word and meaning is not essential and can change. Such perspectives provide a basis for comparing Saussure’s theory with traditional Arabic views. Through this comparison, we can identify both convergences and divergences between modern Western linguistic theory and Arabic intellectual traditions, shedding light on their philosophical reflections on language and meaning.
Keywords
Arbitrariness of the sign ; Signifier and signified ; Arabic linguistic heritage ; divine origin and conventional origin.
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