Although Ferdinand de Saussure is considered fundamental in the development of modern linguistics, one of his key concepts, the arbitrary nature of language, is widely debated. The aim of this text is to consider the arbitrariness of language and prove the point of view proposed by Saussure according to which arbitrariness is indeed the first principle of the linguistic sign. Duan does this by defining arbitrariness, discussing its counterevidence and preconditions, and examining the theory in the context of other concepts presented by Saussure. The article focuses on many of Saussure's ideas and how they fit together to prove that language is arbitrary, ultimately concluding that the concept of language and linguistic sign being arbitrary is fundamental to linguistics, providing the foundation for other Saussurean ideas. The text gives a good overview of arbitrariness and the use of numerous examples helps the reader better understand the concepts covered. This makes it a suitable text for introducing readers to linguistic theories. However, the scope is quite narrow because the authorization...