Saussure: Concept and Sound Pattern.

In reference to General Principles, CP page 6.

Saussure explains that a linguistic sign is based on a concept and a sound pattern. His definition of a sound pattern is "the hearer's psychological impression of a sound" (CP, pg 6). Hence, a linguistic sign is based on the abstract ideal or mental symbol based on the sound pattern. This is why we can share the same understanding of a linguistic sign with someone who pronounces words differently. For example, my mother speaks with a strong accent. When she pronounces the word itinery, she says IT-TIN-ERY, when it should be I-TIN-ERY, however it can still be understood. Why is this? According to Saussure, sound pattern is not a sound, it is a "material" used to represent our sensory impressions. Thus, whether it is pronounced IT-TIN - ERY or I-TIN-ERY the sounds arranged by these letter are limited, and thus the concept of the word is shared and can be understood by both participants. The same thing happens when we read silenly. We intrepret the sound pattern mentally, although we do not hear it physically, in order to understand the concept. We know how the letters arranged are suppose to sound.