Priority to Language or Thing 1st?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkAXsR5WINc

Click on the link :)

Continuing the study of language, my resource is not coming from black and white this time. I found a speech about Jacques Lacan in Theory which is given by Professor Paul Fry. Of course, I did not finish the whole video, but only the particular sections that I would like to emphasize on which are 'Language and the Unconcious' and 'Metonymy, Metaphor, and Desire'. (22.18 to 37.03) I keep listening to the same section so that I can make note of it.

Here are the bullet points I have made:

• The unconsciousness is structured like a language. The language can be defined as semiotic system. 
• Language is a rebus of number, drawing and other elements. It is a sequence of signs taken from different semiotic system that can put together to form a meaning.
• Signifier emerges as language, it is not foundational to language. (this point I feel a bit hard to digest >.<)
• Language expresses thought, constitutes thought and brings thought consciousness.
• Ideology and consciousness is determined by existing material circumstances, but existing material circumstances is not exactly produced by language.
• Giving priority to things, then give rise to language.  In Lacan's theory, however, he gives priority to language. Meaning of thing is expressed by language, language is brought into being to express.
• Levi Strauss said one day there is no language, another day has language. It is a way of conferring meaning on thing, and likewise, the way is arbitary. This is the nature of sign.

Priority to language or thing first? The last second point is quite controversial due to Lacan's theory is contrary to other psychologists. Thing is given meaning by using language to express, as well as, language can create meaning itself. Language is the core in this case. 

Have a nice day :)  

Resources:
Youtube (2009) Jacques Lacan in Theory. Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkAXsR5WINc [Accessed: 31st July, 2013].