Saussure’s “Speaking-Circuit”
Ferdinand de Saussure, in his Course in General Linguistics, explains the speech circuit (circuit de la parole). According to him, language is not an isolated activity in one person’s mind but a social act that requires interaction.
Steps in the Speaking-Circuit:
Concept Formation – A speaker (Person A) forms an idea.
Psychological Encoding – The idea is linked to linguistic signs in the speaker’s brain.
Physiological Process – The vocal organs produce sound waves.
Physical Transmission – Sound travels through the air.
Physiological Reception – The listener (Person B) hears the sound.
Psychological Decoding – The listener interprets the sound back into a concept.
🔑 For this process to work fully, you need at least two individuals:
One speaker to produce and send the message.
One listener to receive and interpret it.
Why Not the Other Options?
Option 1 (1 person): Insufficient. Communication requires exchange; one person alone is just "thinking," not completing a speech circuit.
Option 3 (3 people): Not necessary. Two people are enough for the circuit. A third would be extra but not required.
Option 4 (4 people): Same as above—too many.
✅ Correct Answer: 2
Because Saussure’s speaking-circuit is only complete when at least two participants (a speaker and a listener) are involved in communication.
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