ABSTRACT
In his Course in General Linguistics, F. De Saussure, the pioneer of linguistics, designates the sign or linguistic unit as a double-sided entity. The sign unites a concept and an acoustic image, the representation of the word, that is, outside any actual use of it in speaking. The acoustic image is the psychical imprint of the sounds. Saussure proposes that the acoustic image be termed, the signifier and the concept, the signified. The discussions between linguists as to the arbitrary or non-arbitrary nature of the linguistic sign, as to the necessity of introducing the concept into linguistic analysis. And as to the pre-eminence to be accorded to thought or to language as a formal system which is closed in upon itself, may all be considered as having their origin in the Saussurian definition of the sign. Saussure draws a comparison with the semiological system of money.
