Meaning: The quote by Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist and semiotician, reflects his perspective on the impact of the philological movement on linguistic studies. In this quote, Saussure acknowledges the significant influence of the philological movement in broadening the sources available for linguistic analysis. He highlights the shift in approach from traditional grammar to a more comprehensive examination of linguistic elements, such as inscriptions and their language. However, Saussure also notes that this expansion of sources did not yet align with the evolving spirit of linguistics at the time.

The philological movement, which gained prominence in the 19th century, played a pivotal role in reshaping the study of language and texts. Philology, derived from the Greek terms "phílos" (love) and "lógos" (word), initially focused on the study of ancient languages and texts to understand their historical, cultural, and linguistic significance. This movement laid the foundation for a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to language study, encompassing historical, literary, and linguistic aspects.

Saussure's reference to the "spirit of linguistics" alludes to the evolving methodologies and theoretical frameworks that were beginning to emerge in the field of linguistics during his time. He is suggesting that while the philological movement expanded the range of sources available for linguistic analysis, the prevailing approaches and attitudes toward language study had not fully embraced the transformative spirit of linguistics.

One of the key contributions of the philological movement was the emphasis on the study of inscriptions and their language. Inscriptions, including ancient writings on stone, metal, or other durable materials, provided valuable linguistic and historical insights. By examining these inscriptions, philologists gained access to a broader range of linguistic data, enabling them to explore the evolution of languages, decipher ancient scripts, and reconstruct historical narratives.

Saussure's critique of the philological movement in this quote reflects his own groundbreaking contributions to the field of linguistics. He is best known for his influential work, "Course in General Linguistics," which was posthumously published and profoundly impacted the development of structuralism and modern linguistics. In this seminal work, Saussure introduced structural linguistics, emphasizing the synchronic analysis of language as a system of interconnected elements, rather than a historical or diachronic study of linguistic evolution.

The distinction drawn by Saussure between the philological movement and the spirit of linguistics underscores the evolving nature of linguistic inquiry during his time. While philology laid the groundwork for the interdisciplinary study of language, Saussure's structuralist approach marked a significant departure by focusing on the underlying structures and systems of language. His emphasis on the arbitrary nature of linguistic signs, the relationship between signifiers and signifieds, and the principles of synchronic analysis revolutionized linguistic theory and laid the groundwork for the development of modern structural and functional approaches to language.

In conclusion, Ferdinand de Saussure's quote encapsulates his nuanced perspective on the impact of the philological movement on linguistic studies. While acknowledging the expansion of sources and the shift away from traditional grammar, Saussure also highlights the need for a deeper alignment with the evolving spirit of linguistics. His own contributions to structural linguistics and the enduring influence of his work underscore the dynamic evolution of linguistic inquiry and the enduring legacy of the philological movement in shaping the field of linguistics.