linguïstisch

Linguïstisch is an adjective used to describe things related to linguistics, the scholarly study of language. In Dutch and Afrikaans, the term is commonly spelled linguïstisch; the diaeresis on the i helps indicate syllable boundaries within the ui digraph and guides pronunciation. The corresponding Dutch noun for the field is linguïstiek, while the English cognate is linguistic.

The word derives from the Latin lingua, meaning tongue or language, combined with a Germanic suffix that forms adjectives meaning "related to." In other languages, related forms include German linguistisch and English linguistic, which serve as direct equivalents in many contexts.

Linguïstisch is used in a variety of phrases, such as linguïstische analyse (linguistic analysis), linguïstisch onderzoek (linguistic research), and linguïstische theorie (linguistic theory). It covers subdisciplines like phonetics and phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics.

In practice, the term is used in academic writing, textbooks, and course descriptions to indicate topics that analyze language structure, use, variation, or acquisition from a linguistic perspective. It is distinct from general language or grammar discussions, focusing on scientific study rather than prescriptive rules.

See also: Linguistics; List of subfields of linguistics; Diachronic linguistics.