Julia Kristeva (b. 1941)

Julia Kristeva, born in 1941, is a Bulgarian-French philosopher, linguist, and psychoanalyst known for her work on language, identity, and the unconscious. She explores how language shapes our thoughts and inner experiences, emphasizing the importance of the subconscious and cultural contexts. Kristeva introduced ideas like the "semiotic" (pre-linguistic, emotional rhythms) and the "symbolic" (structured language and societal rules), highlighting their roles in personal development and communication. Her work connects literary theory, psychoanalysis, and feminism, challenging traditional ideas about meaning and the self, and offering deeper insights into human subjectivity.