Research Adda

[Tahsina]

As all of you know Ms. Umme Kulsum has started a venture to read a bit more theory by initiating Research Adda. This week we are meeting to discuss Ferdinand de Saussure's 'Course in General Linguistics.'

I'd like to share a few key points that I understood after my reading.

Meaning or significance is not a kind of core or essence inside things. Meaning is always an attribute of things not contained within them.
(1) Meanings given to words are arbitrary. Thus language as a sign system is based on arbitrariness. A language is not a reflection of the world.
(2) Meanings of words are relational. No words can be defined in isolation from other words. Each designates the absence of the characteristics included in the other.
(3) Language constitutes our world; it does not record or label it.

Here's a link that you can also check out: http://www.brysons.net/academic/saussure.html

[Tahsina]

A BIG 'thank you' to Ms. Nahid Kaiser for the entertaining, intellectually uplifting session on 'Structuralism in Tagore's Short Stories'!
I found the detailed analysis very helpful in understanding the theory. Research Adda rocks!

[Shampa Iftakhar]

Apu:

 I miss it. I can remember my days at JU.  Moniruzzaman Sir took  classes on Linguistics. There for the first time we heard of Saussure and his theory on Structuralism. To be very honest, I believe this adda must help me to understand this theory. Miss it!!!

[Shampa Iftakhar]

If you are interested you can also check out this link courses.nus.edu.sg/course/elljwp/structuralism.htm‎

[Tahsina]

Shampa, don't shed tears! Next Saturday we're sitting again for the Adda. Ms Umme Kulsum will notify all. This time we might have three short presentations as discussed last Saturday. The approach will be the same - discussion on the key points of the theorist and a practical application. Please join us! 

[Shampa Iftakhar]

Again Saturday :!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have classes.....

[A.S. Rafi]

I have rescheduled my classes to join the Adda because I love theories!! But the orientation came in middle, so couldn't  attend last week and missed Nahid Apu's mind stimulating presentation  If everything's fine, I am not going to miss the next session.

[Shampa Iftakhar]

Rafi:

That's great that you  have rescheduled your classes. I have failed to manage everything. So I will miss the next session,too. While some of you will be in discussion and will be entertained by the amusing presentation of Nahid mam, we will be busy in conducting classes.

[A.S. Rafi]

Ahem! Ahem! I better keep my mouth shut   

[Tahsina]

What are you two doing here??