Daffodil International University

Faculty of Humanities and Social Science => English => Topic started by: Tahsina on September 07, 2013, 01:17:24 AM

Title: Research Adda
Post by: Tahsina on September 07, 2013, 01:17:24 AM

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

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Tahsina on September 28, 2013, 07:40:59 PM

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! :D

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Shampa Iftakhar on September 29, 2013, 10:29:59 AM

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!!! :'(

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Shampa Iftakhar on September 29, 2013, 10:33:01 AM

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

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Tahsina on September 30, 2013, 10:34:50 AM

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!  :)

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Shampa Iftakhar on October 01, 2013, 11:36:02 AM

Again Saturday :!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :'( :'(

Have classes.....

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: A.S. Rafi on October 01, 2013, 01:01:53 PM

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  :D If everything's fine, I am not going to miss the next session.

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Shampa Iftakhar on October 04, 2013, 12:42:56 AM

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. :'( :'(

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: A.S. Rafi on October 08, 2013, 03:20:22 PM

Ahem! Ahem! I better keep my mouth shut  :P  ;D

Title: Re: Research Adda
Post by: Tahsina on October 21, 2013, 04:00:51 PM

What are you two doing here??  :o