Speech/writing

Definition

Speech/writing refers to the distinction between spoken and written forms of language, which are often viewed as two different modalities of communication. This distinction is critical in understanding how meaning is constructed and conveyed, particularly in literary analysis and deconstruction, as each form has its own nuances, structures, and implications for interpretation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Derrida argued that writing is not simply a representation of speech but has its own significance and can challenge the supremacy of speech.
2. The idea that speech is more 'authentic' than writing has been critiqued as a form of logocentrism, which privileges oral communication over written texts.
3. Deconstruction reveals how the supposed stability of meaning in both speech and writing is always undermined by the play of language.
4. The relationship between speech and writing shows how context affects interpretation, highlighting that meaning is not fixed but rather fluid.
5. Derrida's analysis encourages a rethinking of traditional structures in literature and philosophy, prompting deeper examination of how language functions.

Review Questions

• How does Derrida's view on speech/writing challenge traditional notions of language and meaning?
  • Derrida's perspective on speech/writing challenges traditional views by arguing that writing is not merely a derivative form of communication compared to speech. He posits that writing has its own intrinsic value and complexity that can generate meanings independent of spoken language. This critique undermines the idea that spoken language is superior or more authentic, inviting a reexamination of how meaning is constructed in both modalities.
• In what ways does the concept of logocentrism relate to the distinction between speech and writing?
  • Logocentrism relates to the distinction between speech and writing by asserting that spoken language is often seen as a direct expression of thought, whereas writing is viewed as secondary or less reliable. This prioritization creates a hierarchy where speech is deemed more authentic, leading to a bias against written texts. Derrida critiques this notion, suggesting that both forms are essential for understanding meaning and that writing holds significant power in shaping interpretation.
• Evaluate how Derrida's concept of differance alters our understanding of communication in relation to speech/writing.
  • Derrida's concept of differance shifts our understanding of communication by highlighting that meaning is never fully present or fixed but is always deferred through linguistic relationships. In relation to speech/writing, this means that both modalities contribute to an ongoing process where meanings are continuously shaped and reshaped. Rather than viewing speech as more immediate and writing as a mere reflection, differance illustrates how each form influences interpretation, suggesting a dynamic interplay rather than a static opposition.

Related terms

Logocentrism: The belief that words can represent absolute meaning and truth, often prioritizing speech over writing as a more authentic form of communication.

Differance: A concept introduced by Derrida that describes the process of deferring meaning through language and the interplay of speech and writing in creating differences in interpretation.

Binary Opposition: A pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning, often used in literary theory to critique traditional hierarchies, such as speech/writing.