Différance

Definition

Différance is a key concept introduced by Jacques Derrida that refers to the interplay of difference and deferral in meaning. It emphasizes that meaning is not fixed but constantly shifting, as words only acquire significance in relation to other words, creating an endless chain of signification where meaning is perpetually postponed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Différance is pronounced the same as 'difference' in French, but its spelling highlights the notion of deferral in meaning, suggesting that meanings are never fully present.
2. Derrida uses différance to challenge traditional notions of fixed meaning and to show how language is inherently unstable and open to interpretation.
3. The concept of différance underscores the idea that understanding relies on the differences between words rather than their direct connections to objects or ideas.
4. Différance plays a crucial role in deconstruction, revealing how texts can be interpreted in multiple ways, thus undermining any single authoritative reading.
5. In poststructuralism, différance exemplifies how identity and meaning are fluid rather than static, pushing back against essentialist views.

Review Questions

• How does différance illustrate the relationship between language and meaning in Jacques Derrida's philosophy?
  • Différance illustrates the relationship between language and meaning by showing that meaning is not static but always contingent upon other meanings. This means that words derive their significance through their differences from one another, rather than from any inherent connection to what they represent. By emphasizing this interplay of difference and deferral, Derrida argues that understanding is a dynamic process where meanings are constantly shifting and evolving.
• Discuss the implications of différance for traditional literary analysis and interpretation.
  • The implications of différance for traditional literary analysis challenge the idea that texts have a single, fixed meaning. Instead, it suggests that interpretations can vary widely based on context, reader perspective, and linguistic nuances. This leads to a more open-ended approach to reading literature where multiple interpretations are valid, emphasizing the complexity and richness of textual meaning rather than adhering to authoritative or conventional readings.
• Evaluate how the concept of différance disrupts logocentrism and its effect on established notions of truth in literature.
  • The concept of différance disrupts logocentrism by questioning the belief that language can provide direct access to truth or stable meaning. By demonstrating that meanings are always deferred and shaped by differences within language, Derrida undermines the idea that there is a singular truth to be discovered within texts. This shift encourages readers to critically engage with texts and recognize the multiplicity of interpretations, thus fostering a more nuanced understanding of how literature functions in conveying complex human experiences and truths.

Related terms

Signifier: The form of a word or expression that represents an idea or meaning, which is distinct from the actual concept it conveys.

Signified: The mental concept or idea that is represented by a signifier, forming part of the relationship in the structure of language.

Logocentrism: The focus on language as a primary means of conveying truth and meaning, often privileging speech over writing, which Derrida critiques through his exploration of différance.