Meaning: Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the field of linguistics. His quote emphasizes the need for linguistics to identify and recognize universal laws that operate across all languages, while also distinguishing between general language phenomena and those specific to particular language branches. Saussure's ideas have significantly shaped the study of language, and his work continues to be foundational in the field of linguistics.

Saussure's quote reflects his belief in the importance of establishing a scientific and rational approach to the study of language. He asserts that linguistics must identify universal principles that apply to all languages, rather than focusing solely on specific linguistic features of individual languages. This universal approach aligns with Saussure's broader linguistic theory, which emphasizes the structural elements and systems that underpin all languages.

In his seminal work, "Course in General Linguistics," Saussure introduced the concept of structuralism, which revolutionized the study of language. He argued that language is a system of signs and symbols, and that its structure and organization are fundamental to understanding how meaning is created and communicated. Saussure's structuralist framework laid the groundwork for modern linguistics, inspiring generations of scholars to explore the deep structures of language and communication.

Central to Saussure's approach is the idea of the "sign," which consists of a signifier (the form of the word or symbol) and a signified (the concept or meaning it represents). He proposed that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary and conventional, with meaning arising from the system of language rather than from inherent connections between words and their referents. This concept challenged traditional views of language and paved the way for the development of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols in communication.

Saussure's call for linguistics to separate general phenomena from those specific to particular language branches reflects his commitment to uncovering the fundamental principles that govern all languages. By identifying universal laws operating in language, linguists can develop a deeper understanding of the underlying structures and processes that shape linguistic expression and communication.

Furthermore, Saussure's emphasis on a "strictly rational manner" underscores his belief in the scientific study of language. He advocated for an objective and systematic approach to linguistics, free from the biases and idiosyncrasies of individual languages or cultures. This rational approach has been instrumental in establishing linguistics as a rigorous and empirical discipline, grounded in the systematic analysis of language as a universal phenomenon.

In conclusion, Ferdinand de Saussure's quote encapsulates his enduring influence on the field of linguistics. His call for linguistics to recognize universal laws operating in language and to approach the study of language in a strictly rational manner reflects his commitment to establishing a scientific and systematic understanding of language. Saussure's structuralist framework and his emphasis on the arbitrariness of signs have significantly shaped the study of language and communication, inspiring generations of linguists to explore the deep structures and universal principles that underpin all languages.