1.
Introduction to Structuralism
Structuralism is an important intellectual and literary movement of the twentieth century. It
developed from the idea that language, literature, culture, myths, and other human activities can be
understood as systems made up of interconnected elements.
The central assumption of Structuralism is: Meaning does not exist independently in individual
words or objects; meaning is produced through relationships and differences within a system.
Structuralism had a profound influence on literary criticism, linguistics, anthropology, cultural
studies, narratology, and semiotics.
2. Origins of Structuralism
Structuralism has its roots in the linguistic theories of Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–
1913). His ideas were published after his death in Course in General Linguistics (1916), based on
notes taken by his students. Saussure revolutionized the study of language by arguing that language
should be studied as a system of signs.
Important thinkers associated with Structuralism include:
1. Ferdinand de Saussure
2. Claude Lévi-Strauss
3. Roland Barthes
4. Roman Jakobson
5. Tzvetan Todorov
6. Gérard Genette
7. Vladimir Propp
Among these, Saussure and Barthes are particularly important for understanding the concepts in
this unit.
3. Ferdinand de Saussure and Structural Linguistics
Saussure changed the way language was studied. Earlier linguists often concentrated on the historical
development of languages. Saussure argued that language could also be studied as a system existing
at a particular moment. This distinction is expressed through two terms:
Diachronic study
Studies language through historical change.
Example:
How the English word "knight" developed historically.
Synchronic study
Studies language as a system functioning at a particular point in time.
Structuralism primarily developed from Saussure's synchronic approach.
For Saussure, language is not merely a collection of words.
It is a structured system of signs. This leads to one of the fundamental concepts of Structuralism
4. Sign: A sign is the fundamental unit through which meaning is communicated.
A sign consists of:
1. Signifier
2. Signified
The two cannot normally function separately within the linguistic sign.
Example
Consider the word: TREE
The written letters T-R-E-E, or the spoken sound we hear, constitute the signifier.
The mental concept of a tree that comes to our mind constitutes the signified.
Together they form the sign.
5. Signifier
The signifier is the form taken by the sign. In language, it can be understood as the sound pattern or
written form associated with a concept.
6. Signified
The signified refers to the concept or mental idea associated with the signifier.
8. Arbitrary Nature of the Sign :One of Saussure's most important arguments is that:
The relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary. There is no natural reason why a
particular sequence of sounds must represent a particular concept. Therefore, the relationship
between word and concept depends upon social and linguistic convention.
9. Langue and Parole
Another important distinction introduced by Saussure is between: Langue and Parole
Langue: Langue refers to the underlying system of language shared by a community.
It includes:
• grammatical rules,
• vocabulary,
• conventions,
• structures,
• codes.
Parole: Parole refers to the individual use of language in actual speech or writing
Roland Barthes and Structuralism
Roland Barthes (1915–1980) was a French literary theorist and critic.
He was initially associated with Structuralism but later contributed significantly to the transition
toward Poststructuralism.
Some important works include:
• Writing Degree Zero
• Mythologies
• S/Z
• "The Death of the Author"
Barthes expanded Structuralism beyond language and literature.