Philology
/fɪˈlɒlədʒi/noun
The study of language in historical texts, especially through grammar, history, and literary interpretation.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek roots for “love” and “speech/word,” and for centuries philology was the master science behind decoding ancient texts, myths, and even sacred languages.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
philología
“love of learning, discussion, or words”
Late Greek
Greek
philologos
“fond of words, learning, or literature”
Latin
Latin
philologia
“the study of literature and learning”
14th Century
English
philologie
“love of learning; scholarly study of language and literature”
Modern English
English
philology
“the historical study of language and texts”