Patterns of Individual Differences

Abstract

This chapter argues that language users construct different linguistic systems and consequently, differ in the manner in which they define their linguistic units. These differences lead to individual variations in linguistic representation. This argument is based on an application of Saussure’s theory to data on individual differences reported in the experimental literature. The theory describes the construction of the language system in terms of four associative laws: the laws of contrast, similarity, contiguity and frequency. The chapter applies the theory by treating each law as a dimension of individual differences. No attempt is made to delve into the ultimate reasons why individuals differ in their application of the four laws. The chapter begins with a caveat about the application of Saussure’s theory to individual differences.