Which approach views language structure as independent of social use?

• A. Interactionist
• B. Structuralist
• C. Transformationalist
• D. Pragmatics

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is whether language structure is an autonomous system or something defined by how people use language in social contexts. The structuralist view treats language as an abstract system of signs with internal rules that exist independently of any particular use. This approach, drawing on Saussure’s distinction between langue (the structure) and parole (actual speech), analyzes the relationships and patterns within the language system itself, without needing to tie those rules to social interaction. Social use is seen as the arena where the rules are realized, not what creates the rules.

In contrast, approaches that focus on social use—looking at how people talk, interact, and rely on context—are not about language structure standing apart from usage. So the option that aligns with language structure being independent of social use is the structuralist perspective.