Quote by Ferdinand De Saussure
A linguistic system is a series of differences of sound combined with a series of differences of ideas.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Ferdinand de Saussure, highlights the understanding that language is not just a collection of sounds or words, but a complex system of distinctions. Language functions by utilizing not only the variations in sounds (such as different phonemes or phonetic elements) but also the diverse ideas and concepts expressed through words. Saussure emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the sound and the meaning in linguistics, emphasizing that language is a combination of both these components working together to convey our thoughts and communicate effectively.