Abstract:
The concept of language is too broad to be defined in a single expression. In general languages are
forms of symbolic representation. Certain meanings are represented through the use of other
certain symbols. The definition may be used for formal languages as well as for natural languages.
This paper attempted to explore philosophical account of human language based on two eminent
thinkers. They are Ferdinand de Saussure and Karl Popper. Saussure points out a triple
classification viz; Langage, Langue and Parole. Langage is the ability to use a system for
communicating ideas and feelings using sounds, gestures, signs, or marks. This skill is peculiar to
humans. Langue refers to the ideal Abstract system composed of socially conventional symbols
viz English, Turkish and etc. Parole expresses the actual use of language in real environment
conditions. Karl Popper classified four functions of language viz; Manifestation of oneself, sign
interchange, description and argumentation. He proposed that animals are similar to humans in
the first two and basic functions. But animals are different from humans in that they cannot set
forth descriptions and argumentations. Since there are chaos in explaining the use of language, it
leads to think the actual use of language. The research problem is that what are the factors
determined the differences. On that basis, the objective of the study is to analyze the conceptual
explanation of the said thinkers and bring a conclusion about the usage of language. Qualitative
research method was employed to carry out the study. Saussure’s Course in General Linguistics
and Karl Popper’s Objective knowledge were taken as primary sources for the study. Based on the
derived data, critical analysis was carried out. Mind is core to create language and make differences.
The upper level and lower-level functions of language make augmentation and debate on language
usage
