Louis Hjelmslev

Louis Hjelmslev was a Danish linguist who developed a theory of language emphasizing its structural nature. He believed language is composed of interconnected layers—like sounds (signifier) and meaning (signified)—that form a complex, systematic network. His approach, called glossematics, analyzes how these layers create coherence in communication, focusing on relationships rather than individual words. Hjelmslev’s work helped deepen understanding of language structure, highlighting that meaning arises from the arrangement and relationships of elements within the system rather than isolated words. His ideas have influenced modern linguistics, especially structural and semiotic studies.