Philology is the study of language in written historical sources. It involves analyzing texts to understand their meaning, structure, and evolution over time. Philologists often focus on ancient languages and literature, examining how languages develop and influence one another. This field combines elements of linguistics, history, and literary criticism to uncover the cultural and social contexts of language.
In addition to studying texts, philology also involves the preservation and interpretation of manuscripts and inscriptions. Philologists may work with various languages, including Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit, to reconstruct lost languages and understand the historical significance of written works.