Langue et Parole

"Langue" and "Parole" are concepts introduced by linguist Ferdinand de Saussure to differentiate aspects of language. "Langue" refers to the structured system of rules, conventions, and shared knowledge that underpin a language—think of it as the underlying code that makes communication possible. "Parole," on the other hand, denotes individual speech acts—the actual, unique way people speak, write, or use language in specific situations. Essentially, "langue" is the social, collective aspect of language, while "parole" is the personal, expressive use of that language in daily life.