Philology

Philology (from Greek philos, “loving”; logos, “speech”), the study of written records, the establishment of their authenticity and correctness, and the determination of their meaning. In the 19th century the term philology often referred more narrowly to the study of linguistics. In the 20th century philology has been used in literature, historical linguistics, and other areas of study in order to reconstruct the texts of imperfect or mutilated manuscripts and inscriptions. The modern philologist often determines the text of a lost original by comparing variant readings in extant copies. Philologists also interpret the texts, obtaining information about history and culture as well as about language and literature.