English Literature

Write a short note on I. A. Richards' concept of two uses of language. I.A. Richards is a prominent British critic and rhetorician. In his popular book The Meaning of Meaning he has introduced the concept of the ‘two uses of language.’ In this pioneer work on semantics he argues that language serves two primary functions- the ‘instrumental’ use and the ‘symbolic’ use. Instrumental Use: The instrumental use of language refers to its practical and utilitarian purpose of conveying information or achieving specific goals. In this use, language acts as a tool for communication. It allows individuals to express their thoughts. It helps in conveying factual information. The instrumental use is predominantly concerned with the referential aspect of language. It aims to convey meaning accurately and unambiguously. It is instrumental in facilitating everyday interactions, conveying instructions and sharing knowledge. Symbolic Use: The symbolic use of language focuses on the aestheti...

A Short Note on Saussure' concept of sign, signifier and signified. Ferdinand de Saussure is a Swiss linguist. He is known for his significant work in the field of structural linguistics. His chief contribution is the concept of the sign, signifier, and signified. This concept forms the foundation of semiotics, the study of signs and their meaning. Saussure's ideas have had a profound impact on linguistics. According to Saussure, a sign is composed of two inseparable components. They are the signifier and the signified. The signifier refers to the physical form of the sign. It can be a sound, a written word, an image, a gesture, or any other sensory stimulus. It is the concrete representation of the sign. The signified is the conceptual or mental content associated with the sign. It represents the meaning or the idea conveyed by the signifier. The signified is not a concrete entity. It is an abstract concept that exists in our minds. It is subjective. It can vary between ...