How To Interpret Literature: Critical Theory for Literary and Cultural Studies - Sykalo Eugen 2024

Writing, Speech, and Differance
Deconstruction

The link between speech and writing is a major topic in literary and cultural studies, and Jacques Derrida's concept of "differance" provides a rich theoretical framework for comprehending how these two forms of communication interact.

Differance: The Interplay of Variations

Derrida uses the concept of "differance" in order to draw attention to its dual nature. By combining "difference" and "deferment," it highlights the way that linguistic variations naturally play out. This idea contradicts the conventional view of language as a fixed, stable structure.

Language as a Process of Difference: Derrida contends that language functions as a continuous process of difference, in which each sign acquires meaning in respect to what it is not. In doing so, a dynamic, constantly-evolving interpretation of language is introduced, challenging the notion of a set, stable meaning.

Speech and Writing as Differencial Systems

According to Derrida, the play of variations inside and between signs characterizes differential systems, which include both speech and writing. Both voice and written communication are vulnerable to the intrinsic instability brought about by variation, even though speech is frequently seen as being more immediate and genuine.

Differentiation in Writing: Since each written symbol is not correlated with a specific vocal sound, the variation in writing is more obvious. The concepts of differance are best illustrated by the distance between signifier and signified and the postponed nature of meaning.

Logocentrism: Questioning Language's Centrality

Logocentrism, the belief that language has a single, unchanging meaning, is contested by difference. According to Derrida, logocentrism is exemplified by the preference for speech over writing (logos over graphē), and differance aims to dismantle and undermine these hierarchies.

Example of a Logocentric Bias: Speech is frequently given preference over other forms of communication because speech is seen as more direct and genuine. Derrida disputes this prejudice, claiming that speech and writing are equally complicated and interpretive.

Track and Add: Discovering Missing Information

In order to emphasize the presence or absence of anything in language, Differance presents the ideas of trace and supplement. A supplement fills in the perceived gap left by something missing, whereas a trace is the mark left by something lacking. Both ideas highlight how meaning is inherently incomplete.

Example: The Trace in Language: In language, words and signals serve as traces, leaving behind indications of meanings that are no longer there. Readers are prompted to identify these traces by difference, upending the idea of a single, consistent meaning.

Speaking as Temporal, Writing as Spatial

Derrida makes a distinction between speech and writing in terms of their temporal and spatial aspects. Speaking is temporally and transitory, whereas writing, as a visual and spatial medium, permits a certain fixity.

Differentiation in Temporality: Speech happens in real time and depends on the speaker's presence. Writing, however, highlights the temporal distinctions inherent in language by introducing a temporal delay between the act of inscription and future readings.

Deconstructive Reading: Exposing Textual Differences

Deconstructive reading entails analyzing texts critically in order to highlight and analyze the ways in which linguistic variations are used. Readers are prompted by difference to identify the holes, inconsistencies, and ambiguities that defy a clear interpretation.

Deconstructive Reading tactics: Readers might reveal textual differences by utilizing deconstructive reading tactics. The intricacies of meaning can be revealed by close reading, binary opposition identification, and challenging presumptive hierarchies, among other techniques.

Speaking, Writing, and Subjectivity: Dismantling Identity

In the domain of subjectivity, difference poses a challenge to essentialist conceptions of identity. Fixed categories are disrupted by the play of linguistic distinctions, which encourages the breakdown of identity structures based on speech or writing.

Example: Deconstructing Gender: Differences make it necessary to consider the ways in which language creates and maintains gender norms. Through challenging established classifications associated with gender identity, readers participate in a dismantling of identity constructions inherent in language.

Distinctiveness in Literary Analysis: Dissecting Storytelling

Differance in literary analysis exposes the play of differences within narratives, upending established interpretations. It challenges readers to accept the flexibility of interpretation, query the author's intentions, and question definitive meanings.

Example: Deconstructing Narratives: Using differance to literary works entails revealing the variety of interpretations, examining the narrative's gaps and traces, and dissecting presumptive meanings. Readers are encouraged to negotiate the intricacies of literary language through Differance.

Comments and Reactions: Variation in Issue

Differentiation has been a revolutionary idea, but it is not without its detractors. Some contend that a focus on distinction and deferral breeds nihilism and skepticism. In response, Derrida emphasizes the need for moral obligation and the ongoing search of justice within the context of difference.

Derrida's Ethical Reaction: Derrida admits the difficulties but maintains that diversity does not equate to nihilism. He encourages readers to critically and responsibly engage with language, emphasizing the ethical obligation that follows from appreciating the play of distinctions.