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Derrida's Of Grammatology is considered to one of his most important publications explaining Deconstructionist theory. In the novel, Derrida seeks to examine the relationship between speech and writing, and how it affects language comprehension. Derrida ultimately rejects the idea of speech ruling writing (and vise vera), as both are forever interconnected.
Derrida's theory can be summarized as several main points:
1.) Both speech and writing are essential to language, with no means holding precedence over the other.
2.) Because both exist separately, they are always functioning both inside and outside of each method (speech and writing).
3.) This interplay of speech and writing acting as both inside and outside, prevent any real privilege in one method being closer to truth, or logos.
Signified and Signifier
The interplay within speech and writing create the series of oppositions, described by Derrida as the signified and the signifier. The validity of each contradiction lies within it's ability to demonstrate the presence of the text. Simplified, the power of a signifier is determined within it's presentation of reality. For example, "water" proves to be an interesting signifier when applied to different conditions. Outside of a definite role, water can represent a rainstorm, a shower, or ice. Considering this, the signified concept of water would prove to be very different amongst individuals residing in Chicago and Africa. Here, the difference in signified concepts is dependent upon the individual understanding of presence, comparison, and understanding of personal or textual truth.