What is Philology?
The study of language in written historical sources.
The Words That Weave Our Histories Together
Philology is the study of language in written historical sources, which is an integral part of understanding how our cultures and societies have developed over time. It involves analyzing the history, structure, and usage of language within its cultural and social context, often times through close textual analysis. Through philology, we can uncover the hidden meanings and subtexts behind centuries-old texts and the intricate web of linguistic connections that link us to our ancestors, and to each other.
Philology's importance can be seen in its use in literature to reveal the deeper nuances of language.
In the Divine Comedy, Dante's use of language not only provided a window into the political and social realities of medieval Italy, but also revealed the subtle cultural and linguistic differences that distinguished each of the regions he passed through.
Tolkien's use of morphological and syntactical features borrowed from Old English, Gothic, and Old Norse allowed him to create a unique and immersive linguistic landscape within Middle Earth, providing readers with a deep sense of connection and wonder.