La riflessione anagrammatica di Ferdinand de Saussure: un’altra riflessione sul segno

Abstract

In this article we will attempt to demonstrate that the investigation performed by Ferdinand de Saussure on the linguistic sign through his research on anagrams is based on repetition and aims to prove that it is through the duplication of the linguistic material that some circuits of signification are activated. We will use in this direction some of the Jakobson's studies on the relationship between linguistics and poetics, and other considerations of some authors who have studied the research on anagrams of Ferdinand de Saussure: Starobinski, Wunderli, Gandon, Suzuki.

Finally we will attempt a comparison focused on the operation of the repetition between music and poetry, using Combarieu’studies (1909) and the reinterpretation of Giovanni Piana (1994) to support the arguments of the fundamental role of repetition in the processes of artistic writing.

We believe that  Ferdinand de Saussure’s research on anagrams does not represent a moment of inconsistency in his studies during which the Swiss linguist was charmed by the fascination for ancient literature and has founded some games of assonance and repetition. Our conviction is rather that the research on anagrams is itself an investigation into the nature of the linguistic sign.