Langue and Parole:

The concept of ‘langue’ and ‘parole’ in linguistics was introduced by the Swiss structural Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. He defined language as a system of signs that expresses ideas.  He distinguished ‘langue’ and ‘parole’ in his work Course in General Linguistics(1916). He emphasized that language is not just a collection of words but a structured system of signs where each sign is made up of two parts. He divided language into two systems: langue + parole. Langue is a system, and parole is the use of the system. Language cannot exist without langue and parole. Language is thus equal to langue + parole.

 The French term ‘langue’ means in English ‘tongue’. It encompasses the structural system or systematic rules and conventions of a signifying system of language that exists in the minds of speakers within a linguistic community. It includes grammar, syntax, vocabulary, phonetics, and rules that make communication possible. Langue is a system. It is abstract and difficult to observe and almost impossible to capture. As it is social and stable over time, so Langue cannot be changed.

Langue- The rules of the sign system (grammar)

Parole- articulation of a sign or the act of speech.

Parole refers to an individual speech or use of language. When a person acts or speaks in real real-life situation, he behaves in his own way. This individuality in language is called parole. It varies from person to person and is subject to individual preferences. It includes pronunciation, word choice, and sentence construction in everyday communication. It is variable and dynamic.