Jacques Derrida is surely one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th Century. As a person well versed in philosophy, linguistics and semiotics, he could redefine many of the concepts on word and meaning. His innovative thinking could bring a real revolution in the field of literary criticism and also in semantics. His views on word and meaning to a major extent are, influenced by the ancient Indian grammarians and philosophers like Patanjali, Bhartṛhari, Anandavardhana etc. Ferdinand de Saussure's linguistics theory based on structuralism too might have influenced Derrida in developing his theoretical concepts. His semiotic analysis known by the name deconstruction is a major semantic and philosophic contribution of post structuralism period.
The author of this work, Prof. D. Benjamin, as a Professor of Malayalam in the University of Kerala had the opportunity to make an in depth study of Derrida's works. Hence he is one of the apt persons to have a study on the concepts of Derrida.
My acquaintance with the ideas of Jacques Derrida is as a student of literature. Derrida's influence on contemporary literary criticism is immense. In the first decade of this century Malayalam critics began to discuss his ideas. At least a small group of critics tried to apply them in their practical criticism. His critical terms like 'trace' and 'archewriting' were liberally used with all their ambiguities. As a student of literature who is interested in literary theories I was also attracted by Derrida's world of ideas. But my approach was a bit skeptic. I felt some of his important arguments are violating the boundaries of common sense and the discipline of philosophical discourse. Yet I was interested to know more about his insights related to language and literature.
When the great institute, the International School of Dravidian Linguistics accepted me as a senior fellow I selected a topic related to Derrida. My ambition was to explore more of his intellectual world. For a person like me who is not trained either in linguistics or in philosophy the pursuit was difficult. Yet it was refreshing.
In this small research report there are four chapters. In the first chapter I have tried to explain the influence of Saussure on Derrida. Though Derrida rejected structuralism, his theory is a continuation of it to some extent.
The second chapter is devoted to discuss and understand Derrida's concepts of 'word' and 'meaning'.
Third chapter is an attempt to understand how Anandavardhana, the exponent of Dhvani, and Derrida tackle the question of plurality of meaning.
In the fourth chapter the indeterminacy of meaning is discussed against the concept of Abhidha Niyamakannal promulgated by A.R. Raja Raja Varma.
Main findings are consolidated in the conclusion.
I am indebted to the I.S.D.L for giving me this invaluable chance to carry out this research programme.
When I joined the institution the Hon. Director was Dr. M. Rama. He generously provided me all facilities and support for my work. Let me express my deep gratitude to him. The present Director Dr. G.K. Panikkar very graciously and sympathetically extended all supports and reminded me about my duty. I respect his sincerity and involvement and I extend my heart felt thanks to him.
I remember all research scholars who were with me for their participation in the informal discussions which benefitted me a lot.
I also thankfully remember the sincere cooperation of the librarian and the office staff.
Thanks are due to the S.N. Communications for the DTP work they have done.
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