Saussure's theory of language is generally considered to be a formal theory of abstract sign-types and sign-system. Thibault presents a different view of Saussure. He pays close attention to the original texts and demonstrates that Saussure was centrally concerned with trying to formulate a theory of how meanings are made. Re-reading Saussure does more than simply engage with Saussure's theory in a new and up-to-date way. In addition to demonstrating the continuing viability of Saussure's thinking through a range of examples, it makes an important intervention in contemporary linguistic and semiotic debate.