Meaning: This quote by Roman Jakobson, a prominent linguist and semiotician, encapsulates the core mission of the field of phonology, which is the study of speech sounds and their relationship to meaning. In this quote, Jakobson emphasizes the importance of understanding how speech sounds function as signifiers and how they are structured in relation to meaning.

Jakobson’s work has had a profound impact on the field of linguistics, particularly in the realm of phonology. His approach to the study of language, known as structuralism, focused on the analysis of the formal and structural elements of language, including phonemes, morphemes, and syntax. He was particularly interested in the inherent structure of language and the ways in which it conveys meaning.

When Jakobson speaks of investigating speech sounds in relation to the meanings with which they are invested, he is highlighting the fundamental connection between sound and meaning in language. In linguistic terms, this concept is often referred to as the arbitrariness of the sign, which means that the relationship between a linguistic sign (such as a word or a phoneme) and its meaning is not inherently logical or motivated by any natural connection. Instead, this relationship is culturally and socially constructed, and it is through the study of phonology that we can begin to understand how these connections are formed and maintained.

Jakobson’s emphasis on sounds viewed as signifiers underscores the notion that speech sounds are not simply arbitrary units of sound, but rather, they carry meaning and function as symbols within a linguistic system. In other words, the sounds of a language are not meaningless or random; they are essential components of communication and are imbued with significance and communicative power.

Furthermore, Jakobson’s call to throw light on the structure of the relation between sounds and meaning speaks to the need to uncover the underlying principles and patterns that govern the way in which speech sounds are organized and how they interact with meaning. This involves examining the phonological systems of different languages, identifying phonological rules and patterns, and understanding the ways in which these systems shape and convey meaning.

In the field of phonology, researchers explore a wide range of phenomena related to speech sounds and their connection to meaning, including phoneme inventory, phonotactics, phonological processes, and the role of prosody in conveying linguistic and pragmatic meaning. By delving into these aspects of language, phonologists seek to uncover the intricate relationship between sound and meaning and to elucidate the structural principles that underlie this relationship.

In conclusion, Roman Jakobson’s quote encapsulates the core mission of phonology, emphasizing the need to investigate the relationship between speech sounds and the meanings they convey. Through the study of phonology, linguists seek to uncover the structural principles that govern this relationship and to shed light on the intricate connections between sounds and meaning in language. Jakobson’s work continues to inspire and guide researchers in the field of phonology as they strive to unravel the complex interplay between sound and meaning in human communication.