Arbitrariness and Double Articulation in Writing

This paper deals with three theoretical issues concerning writing systems in general, and Chinese and Japanese characters ¹ in particular. First, the question is asked of whether and how the notion of l’arbitraire du signe applies to writing. Secondly, it is argued that sign systems of any complexity require an internal organization that makes use of the principle of double articulation. Chinese and Japanese characters are discussed as an example of double articulation in writing. Thirdly, the question is raised of whether the relationship between spoken and written language as regards double articulation can be described as arbitrary in Chinese and Japanese. It is shown that, while Chinese and Japanese characters are doubly articulated, their double articulation is unrelated to that of Chinese and Japanese speech. By way of conclusion, some comments are offered on the misconception of “ideographic writing.”