Question

Interjections like "Wow!" challenge Saussure’s theory because:

• A. They are arbitrary
• B. They seem directly connected to emotions
• C. They are not part of langue
• D. They are complex signs

Answer 1

Answer:

B. They seem directly connected to emotions

• Interjections are words or expressions that convey a strong, immediate feeling or reaction, often without a syntactic connection to other parts of a sentence.

• Examples include:

"Oh!", "Wow!", "Ouch!"

• Interjections are often expressive and can stand alone to convey emotion or reaction.

• They can seem to deviate from the usual structure of linguistic signs because they appear more spontaneous and direct.

• While interjections may seem to express immediate, non-arbitrary emotional reactions, Saussure would still regard them as part of the linguistic system.

• They are still governed by linguistic rules and conventions, meaning their meaning is understood within the context of the language system, not by a direct, non-linguistic connection to the emotion or sensation they express.