Saussurean theory

Saussurean theory, developed by linguistic scholar Ferdinand de Saussure, emphasizes that language is a system of signs where words (signifiers) represent concepts or objects (signified). Meaning arises from differences between words within the structure of language, not from any inherent connection to what they represent. For example, the word "tree" only has meaning because it is different from "bush" or "flower." Language is viewed as a structured system where meaning depends on relationships and differences, rather than individual words on their own. This perspective shifted the study of language toward understanding how signs function within a system.