The Arbitrary Nature Of Language Symbols And Justifications,

Since F. de. Saussure advocated the principle of arbitrariness of linguistic signs, the validity of the principle has received strong support but also aroused considerable disagreement among researchers both abroad and at home. This thesis re-examines the key concepts involved in Saussure' s principle of arbitrariness and corresponding controversy, re-defining the real content of the arbitrariness of linguistic signs. The paper also probes into the opposite view on the principle of arbitrariness-the motivation of linguistic signs. After a brief introduction to and evaluation of varied considerations on the motivation of linguistic signs, the thesis demonstrates the concept of motivation, the significance of the research on the principle of motivation, the classification of motivation and advances the author' opinion on the development and alternation of the motivation of linguistic signs from the angle of history. The last but not the least, the thesis explores the relationship between arbitrariness and motivation and draws the conclusion that linguistic signs are both arbitrary and motivated. They are the unity of opposites, and influence each other. Their existence guarantees the colorful expansion of linguistic signs while restricting the random inflation of linguistic signs.