Meaning: Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist and semiotician, made this statement in his influential work "Course in General Linguistics." In this quote, Saussure challenges the traditional view that language is a natural, inherent faculty of humans. Instead, he argues that language is a social institution that is distinct from natural institutions. This assertion has significant implications for the study of linguistics and the understanding of human communication.

Saussure's quote reflects his belief that language is not simply a natural, instinctive ability of humans, but rather a system of signs and symbols that is shaped by social and cultural factors. He emphasizes the idea that language is a product of human society and is governed by social conventions and norms. This perspective contrasts with the long-held notion that language is an innate, universal trait of human beings.

By stating that "social institutions stand opposed to natural institutions," Saussure highlights the distinction between language as a social construct and natural abilities or instincts. He suggests that language is not a product of individual biological predispositions, but rather a product of collective human interaction and cultural evolution. This challenges the idea that language is a purely biological phenomenon and underscores the role of societal influences in shaping linguistic systems.

Saussure's assertion has had a profound impact on the field of linguistics and has influenced subsequent theories of language and communication. His emphasis on the social and conventional nature of language has led to the development of structuralist and post-structuralist approaches to linguistics, which focus on the analysis of language as a system of signs and the study of its social and cultural dimensions.

Furthermore, Saussure's quote raises questions about the relationship between language and society, as well as the implications of viewing language as a social institution. It prompts scholars to consider how language reflects and shapes social structures, power dynamics, and cultural practices. This perspective has been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary research that explores the intersection of language, culture, and society.

In addition, Saussure's emphasis on the social nature of language has implications for language acquisition and language diversity. It challenges the idea that language development is solely determined by innate cognitive abilities, and instead underscores the role of social interactions and cultural contexts in shaping language acquisition and use. This has broad implications for understanding the diversity of languages and dialects across different societies and communities.

Overall, Saussure's quote encapsulates his profound insight into the nature of language as a social institution. It challenges conventional views of language as a natural, instinctive faculty and highlights the role of social institutions in shaping linguistic systems. His perspective has had a lasting impact on the study of linguistics and continues to shape our understanding of language, communication, and society.