comparative linguistics

Comparative linguistics is the study of languages to understand their similarities and differences, often to trace their historical development and relationships. Linguists compare sounds, grammar, and vocabulary across different languages to determine how they may have evolved from common ancestors. This field helps identify language families—such as Indo-European—highlighting how cultures have influenced each other over time. By analyzing variations and patterns, comparative linguistics sheds light on human communication, migration, and the historical connections between different linguistic groups.