Arbitrary and/is listening

Abstract

This article aims to reflect about the relationship between the wellknown Saussurian concept of arbitrary and the notion of listening. To this end, we will take as a starting point the preceding studies in the field about the arbitrary, since there is a recurring debate concerning Language Studies’ research. Given the importance of this theoretical principle concerning Ferdinand de Saussure’s thought, we propose a notion of listening in the scope of linguistics, from the approach of the arbitrary in the author’s legacy. For this journey, we will take into account two sources of autograph manuscripts – “On the dual essence of language” and Phonétique –, but we will also revisit the Course in General Linguistics critical edition and the interpretations sustained by renowned researchers of the Genevan master’s legacy concerning the arbitrary issue and its relationship with listening.
Keywords: Arbitrary. Listening. Saussure. Sign. Value.