Such theorists make an equivalent, but symmetrically opposite, error to that of communications theory. Both communicational and structural approaches try to define what language is, instead of looking at what it does. Far from referring only to itself, language is powerfully intertwined with all the other aspects of contemporary social reality. It is a virus that has all too fully incorporated itself into the life of its hosts. An alien force has taken hold of me, and I cannot not respond.
Voices continually call and respond, invoke and provoke other voices.
A set of actions upon other actions. The material force of the utterance compels me to respond, but no hermeneutics can guarantee or legislate the precise nature of my response. Any response whatsoever. This accounts both for the fascistic, imperative nature of language, and for its infinite susceptibility to perversion and deviation. Strands of DNA replicate themselves ad infinitum.