Ferdinand de Saussure was a Swiss linguist born in 1857, known for his foundational work in the field of linguistics. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern structuralism, emphasizing the importance of language as a system of signs. Saussure introduced key concepts such as the distinction between langue (the abstract system of language) and parole (the actual use of language in speech). His most influential work, "Course in General Linguistics," published posthumously in 1916, highlighted how meaning is derived from the relationships between signs rather than from the signs themselves. Saussure's theories have significantly impacted various fields, including semiotics and philosophy.