langue (social language)

Langue, a concept introduced by linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, refers to the shared, structured system of language used by a speech community. It encompasses the rules, grammar, vocabulary, and conventions that enable people to communicate effectively within a particular society. Unlike individual speech (known as parole), langue is the collective language system that is learned implicitly and remains relatively stable over time. It provides the framework that allows diverse speakers to understand each other, forming the foundation for spoken and written communication within a language community.