Concept in Definition ABC

Language, and all areas of knowledge associated with it, is studied in a discipline, philology. Thus, within this area there is a wide range of branches and dimensions: phonetics, syntax, semantics, linguistics, grammar, semiotics, pragmatics, lexicography, text commentary or literature.

If we focus on the term philology, it comes from the Greek and literally means "love of words" (The prefix philos is related to the idea of ​​love and the term logos means, among other things, word).

Lesser known branches of philology

- Hermeneutics, also known as interpretation theory, is responsible for analyze the correct meaning of a text.

- If it is a question of understanding and interpreting an ancient text, this task is ecdotic.

- The exegesis of a text consists of explaining the linguistic, cultural and historical dimensions related to it.

- Epigraphy studies the inscriptions made in stone or other materials different from paper.

- The knowledge of the different forms of ancient writing is paleography.

- When the texts studied were originally written on papyrus, papyrology is the specific branch that deals with their analysis.

Philological studies are an auxiliary tool of history

In this sense, a historian will only be able to approach the events of the past if he approaches written historical sources (this task is known as eurytics).

In the universe of philology there are various linguistic and literary fields: the classical from the Greek and Latin, Indo-European, Medieval, Semitic, Germanic or Slavic, among others Many.

The first philologists belonged to the Alexandrian school

From the lll century a. C in the mythical library of Alexandria the scholars of all the scientific disciplines began to develop their investigations.

In this Greek city located in northern Egypt, the first philologists began to create a methodology to analyze the classical texts of Greek literature and Hellenic culture in general. Among them we can highlight Philetas of Cos, Zenodotus of Ephesus, Aristophanes of Byzantium or Aristarchus of Samothrace.

The methods of these scholars were fundamental to the development of biblical philology.

In the Laboral scene

This type of training has a natural outlet, teaching. However, there are other professional options: freelance writer, copywriter, translator or copyeditor in a media. On the other hand, note that publishers need qualified readers to prepare reports on the different forms of literary creation.

Finally, in the world of journalism, philologists can perform very diverse tasks.

Fotolia photos: Julija Sapic / Jenesesimre

Topics in Philology