Understanding Language and Literary Systems
Linguistic Concepts
Language and Speech Defined
- Language: It specifies the power of human beings, our ability to communicate through linguistic signs.
- Language: An organized system of signs (a sound set of vocabulary, syntax rules, etc.) that enables communication.
- Speech: Defined as the concrete manifestation of language by each individual.
The Linguistic Sign
The linguistic sign consists of the unity of a signifier (acoustic image or sound) and a signified (mental image or concept). The linguistic sign is arbitrary, meaning the concept is the same even when delivered by different signifiers (e.g., ‘home,’ ‘house,’ ‘maison’).
Language as Diasystem: Varieties and Variations
Within a linguistic community, varieties of language may arise due to factors such as gender, geographic location, age, education, and studies. However, these variations will not prevent understanding between speakers of different varieties.
Types of Linguistic Variation:
- Diachronic (Historical) Variation: Relates to changes in a language’s phonetic system or expressions that fall into disuse. For example, the historical use of ‘vos’ as a form of courtesy or reverence in Spain.
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Diatopic (Dialectal or Geographical) Variation: These differences are linked to the various areas where a language is spoken.
Examples in Spanish:
- In Spain, one might say: ‘coche’ (car), ‘móvil’ (mobile), ‘jersey’ (sweater), ‘parque’ (park).
- In Hispanoamerica, one might say: ‘carro’ (car), ‘celular’ (mobile), ‘suéter’ (sweater), ‘estacionamiento’ (parking).
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Diastratic (Social) Variation: The product of social differences between speakers, manifested in their manner of expression. For example, people with less schooling might use expressions that do not correspond to the standard rule.
Examples:
- ‘Agüelo’ for ‘Abuelo’ (Grandfather)
- ‘via’ for ‘veía’ (saw)
- ‘polecía’ for ‘policía’ (police)
Modern Spanish: The Standard Language
What constitutes a standard language? The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) is the institution responsible for establishing a common standard for the Spanish language. The Ministry of Education also plays a role in promoting effective communication.
Literary Concepts
The Fictional System
A literary work is an invention, a product of its author’s imagination. It does not literally copy reality but can draw upon it. Fiction is not necessarily true or false, as literature does not require verification against a given reality. During the reading process, the reader establishes an agreement or ‘pact’ with the work, accepting that what is read does not need to be literally true.
The Plural System
A literary text has the peculiarity of accepting various interpretations. Readers do not ascribe a single meaning; sometimes, even the same reader may interpret it differently at different times. This plurality of meanings distinguishes a literary work from other texts, such as scientific or mathematical ones, where interpretations are typically based on elements within the text itself to avoid contradiction.
Intertextuality
Literature has the ability to interact with multiple external texts. This involves the author during creation and the reader during interpretation. These external texts or cultural events are not only literary but can also be political, social, or technological.
Literature as Social Practice
The author uses language as their primary material for creation. Literature is a social fact because the sender (author) writes with a receiver (reader) in mind.
Literature as Institution
Literature is governed by social institutions that determine what is considered literary and what is not. These include universities, publishers, literary criticism, literary prizes, the market, and mass media.