Thank you metaphors and Illustrations

I found both readings very interesting—yet very complex for me to fully grasp some of the ideas presented by both Ferdinand de Saussure and Roland Barthes. However, some of the concepts made more sense than others, thank you to the illustrations and strong metaphors in both pieces.

One idea in particular that I really enjoyed and found helpful to gain a better understanding of his argument in Saussure’s Course in General Linguistics was the atmospheric pressure changes/waves metaphor: “Visualize the air in contact with a sheet of water; if the atmospheric pressure changes, the surface of the water will be broken up into a series of divisions, waves; the waves resemble the union or coupling of though with phonic substance” (de Saussure 6). Visuals like this really make some of these ideas easier to wrap your head around—which I am still doing. J

         Another quote that I found interesting by Saussure was that “Philosophers and linguists have always agreed in recognizing that without the help of signs we would be unable to make a clear-cut consistent distinction between two ideas” (de Saussure 5). This concept is so simple—yet so complex. Without signs, we would be lost! They’re so embedded and important wherever we go! A simple scenario I thought about while reading this section was the visual of seeing smoke coming from a house. That simple sign, allows us to know that there is probably a fire. It seems so basic, but is so important that it even exists!

         Carmen’s independent entry really helped me grasp a better understanding of certain concepts and that was very helpful to me, so thank you Carmen!! One idea in particular that I found intriguing (by both you and Saussure) was how you mentioned the word in Chinese that loses significance as you try to explain it in English context. You made me understand this idea of losing value in words A LOT better, so thanks again—I found it very helpful.   

To conclude, I found your titling of your IE, Chinese Woes and The Kardashians very effective due to pop-culture.