Question

According to Saussure, the linguistic sign consists of:

• A. Word and sound
• B. Symbol and idea
• C. Signifier and signified *
• D. Syntax and semantics

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Signifier and signified *

According to Saussure, a linguistic sign consists of a "signifier" (the sound-image or physical form) and a "signified" (the mental concept) which are inseparable from each other; meaning the sign is made up of both the physical manifestation of a word and the idea it represents in the mind. 

Key points about Saussure's linguistic sign:

• Signifier: The physical form of the sign, like the sound pattern of a word or the written letters. 

• Signified: The mental concept associated with the signifier. 

• Arbitrary relationship: The connection between a signifier and a signified is not natural or inherent, but rather established by social convention.