tlloyd - 09/09

In class this week we discussed systems; in particular, the system of languages. We discussed the terms ‘langue’ and ‘parole’, which are in basic terms ‘language’ and ‘speech’. For a more accurate description, we would define ‘langue’ as “a system that’s meaning becomes valuable in the relationships within a system” and ‘parole’ as “the usage of the langue system that occurs in a community of speakers” (Class 09/07 – Cummings). We see this system in action every day whether or not we realize it. When we tend to realize it most is when we travel abroad. As soon as you enter a place where people do not speak your language, communication becomes very difficult. The words you apply to a certain object or actions are no longer valuable because no one in that community shares the same parole. Words, or “choice of a given slice of sound to name a given idea is completely arbitrary” – Barthes. As Macherey states, “Language is a system of independent terms in which the value of each term results solely on the simultaneous presentation of others.” Both theorist reiterate the notion that words, like signs, are meaningless unless everyone using them understands them.

One quote that reached me was “from one reading to the next, we never skip the same passage.” This idea reminded me of a concept learned in Dr. Cavenaugh’s class stating that we never say the same thing twice. Even if we say the same patterns of words twice, it will never twice have the exact same meaning. I think that Macherey is attempting to get at the same concept with reading text. This also links into the notion tht “all texts are related. Everything is derived from somewhere else” (Class 09/09 – Cummings). I think it is really interesting to observe how everything is related in this world. It brings us back to the idea of originality and is it really possible to create something truly ‘original’? Or, are we so influenced by other aspects of life that or ‘original’ product is really just a medley of other ideas?