Disguise Quote by Ferdinand de Saussure
“Written forms obscure our view of language. They are not so much a garment as a disguise.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Course in General Linguistics, 1916
Written language hides the true nature of speech, acting more like a mask than clothing.
In simple terms: Writing disguises speech.
Recognize the difference between spoken and written meaning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- teaching language
- translation work
- literary analysis
- media studies
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does writing shape thought?
- Can we fully capture spoken meaning in text?
Written forms can limit nuance and spontaneity.