Meaning: Roman Jakobson, a prominent linguist and semiotician, made significant contributions to the field of phonology and the study of language. The quote "Speech sounds cannot be understood, delimited, classified and explained except in the light of the tasks which they perform in language" encapsulates Jakobson's perspective on the intrinsic connection between speech sounds and their functions within language. In this quote, Jakobson emphasizes the importance of considering the functional roles of speech sounds in order to fully comprehend and analyze them. This perspective aligns with Jakobson's broader theoretical framework, which highlights the interplay between form and function in language.

Jakobson's assertion that speech sounds cannot be fully understood without considering their linguistic functions reflects his belief in the inseparability of form and meaning in language. From Jakobson's viewpoint, speech sounds are not mere isolated units of sound, but rather integral components of a larger communicative system. By emphasizing the tasks that speech sounds perform in language, Jakobson underscores the idea that their significance lies in their role in conveying meaning, facilitating communication, and serving specific linguistic functions.

Furthermore, Jakobson's statement highlights the importance of context in understanding speech sounds. According to his view, the meaning and significance of speech sounds are deeply intertwined with the linguistic, social, and cultural contexts in which they occur. By emphasizing the tasks that speech sounds perform, Jakobson directs attention to the ways in which they contribute to the overall communicative goals and structures of language. In this sense, speech sounds are not static entities, but dynamic elements that are shaped by and in turn shape the communicative practices of a given linguistic community.

One of the key implications of Jakobson's quote is the idea that the analysis of speech sounds should be inherently linked to the broader study of language structure and usage. Rather than viewing speech sounds in isolation, Jakobson's approach encourages a holistic examination of their functions within the larger framework of language. This perspective aligns with the broader structuralist tradition in linguistics, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of linguistic elements and the systematic nature of language.

In conclusion, Roman Jakobson's quote underscores the fundamental connection between speech sounds and their functional roles within language. By emphasizing the tasks that speech sounds perform, Jakobson highlights the dynamic and context-dependent nature of linguistic communication. His perspective encourages a comprehensive approach to the study of speech sounds, one that takes into account their form, function, and broader linguistic contexts. Ultimately, Jakobson's quote serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between form and meaning in language, and the necessity of considering the functional significance of speech sounds in understanding the nature of human communication.