DICHTONOMY OF LANGUAGE AND SPEECH

Abstract

This article explores the distinction between language and speech, a concept most notably associated with Ferdinand de Saussure's groundbreaking work in linguistics. Saussure's dichotomy of "language and speech" (langue and parole) revolutionized 20th-century linguistics by introducing fundamental concepts such as the signifier and the signified, synchronic and diachronic analysis, and syntagmatic and associative relationships. The article traces the historical attempts to differentiate between language and speech, starting with ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato, who viewed language as a tool for producing speech and communication. It also examines contributions from Arabic linguists and later scholars such as V. Humboldt and Baudouin de Courtenay. The article highlights the development and materialistic expansion of Saussure's theories by the Prague Linguistic School. Despite ongoing research in modern Uzbek linguistics, there remain numerous unresolved issues and debates regarding the distinction between language and speech. This study underscores the importance of distinguishing linguistic units within the context of language and speech to advance theoretical and practical understanding in the field.