Filologi

Filology, or philology, is the study of language in written historical sources. It aims to understand languages and their cultures by analyzing texts, manuscripts, inscriptions, and early printed works. Philology combines linguistic analysis with literary interpretation and historical context to establish the original form, meaning, and transmission of texts, and to reconstruct past stages of languages.

Historically central to European scholarly culture, philology emerged from grammar studies of Latin and Greek and broadened to medieval, biblical, and modern languages. Classical philology focused on Greek and Latin texts, while later traditions expanded to Sanskrit, Persian, Chinese, and others. In the modern era, the term often overlaps with classical studies, linguistics, and area studies, depending on the institution.

Core methods include palaeography (dating and deciphering manuscripts), textual criticism (reconstructing a probable base text), edition practice (producing scholarly editions), and historical linguistics (tracing language change). Researchers also use literary analysis, cultural history, and, increasingly, digital tools in philology.

Philology remains a foundational discipline in many universities, teaching language, literature, and textual culture. It supports the authentication of manuscripts, the study of editorial practices, and the interpretation of historical documents, contributing to our understanding of languages and civilizations across time.