5.1. The differences between structuralism and stylistics

Structuralism

1. Study underlying structures of signification which occurs wherever there is a meaningful event or in the practice of some meaningful action.

2. Phonology becomes the paradigmatic basis for structuralism in a number of different forms.

3. An approach to analyzing the narrative material by examining the underlying invariant structure.

4. Focused not on the use of language (parole, or speech) but rather on the underlying system of language (langue).

5. Interested in the way that a text like a piece of language.

6. Has the tendency to adopt particular moments from the history of linguistics that seems useful or applicable.

7. Structuralists are interested in cultural practices and have some degree of involvement in linguistics.

Stylistic

1. Study of varieties of language whose properties position that language in context.

2. Attempts to establish principles capable of explaining the particular choices made by individuals and social groups in their use of language.

3. A distinctive term that may be used to determine the connections between the form and effects within a particular variety of language.

4. Stylistics looks at what is ‘going on’ within the language.

5. Interested in the way that a text is a piece of language.

6. Has been closely connected with the development of linguistic theories.

7. Stylisticians are often linguists with an interest in literature.

Sources:

• http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/elljwp/structuralism.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structuralism
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stylistics_%28linguistics%29
• Saptenno, M.A.I. The Influence of Linguistics in Structuralism. Universitas Nasional. 2001