Le sacré et son vocabulaire. Lecture raisonnée de quelques essais linguistiques d’Émile Benveniste

Abstract

This article explores the linguistic analyses of Émile Benveniste concerning terms within the semantic field of the sacred. Benveniste’s studies reveal a dualistic conception of sacredness across Indo-European languages, distinguishing between its positive, life-affirming aspect and its negative, prohibitive dimension. Focusing on terms such as “sacred”, “profane”, “euphemism”, and “blasphemy”, the article examines how Benveniste’s research enriches comparative linguistics with anthropological insights. It highlights his use of a variety of linguistic tools to delineate the boundaries of sacredness, especially its interaction with human language and expression. Further, it contextualizes these findings within his broader theoretical framework, linking the sacred to fundamental oppositions like langue/parole and exploring the interplay between linguistic and cultural structures.