Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist and semiotician who is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern linguistics and structuralism. The quote addresses the historical development of the study of Indo-European languages and the subsequent intellectual curiosity it sparked among scholars.

Saussure's statement captures the essence of the scholarly pursuit of understanding the relationships between different Indo-European languages. It reflects a pivotal moment in the history of linguistics when researchers began systematically comparing and analyzing the similarities and differences among these languages. This process of comparative linguistics played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of language evolution and historical connections between different language families.

During the 19th century, linguists such as Franz Bopp, Jacob Grimm, and August Schleicher laid the groundwork for the comparative study of Indo-European languages. They identified common linguistic features and reconstructed hypothetical proto-languages from which these languages are believed to have originated. This approach not only led to the recognition of the existence of a linguistic family encompassing languages as diverse as Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Celtic, Germanic, and Slavic, but it also provided valuable insights into the historical development of these languages.

Saussure's reference to scholars engaging in a "kind of game" of comparing different Indo-European languages underscores the intellectual challenge and excitement associated with this endeavor. The process of uncovering linguistic connections and reconstructing linguistic history can indeed be likened to a complex puzzle or game, where researchers meticulously piece together evidence from various languages to discern patterns and relationships.

Furthermore, Saussure's mention of scholars wondering "what exactly these connections showed, and how they should be interpreted in concrete terms" highlights the critical questions that arose from the comparative study of Indo-European languages. As scholars delved deeper into the linguistic data, they grappled with the interpretation of these connections and sought to elucidate their significance in concrete terms. This intellectual inquiry led to the development of linguistic theories and methodologies aimed at understanding the nature of language change, linguistic diffusion, and the reconstruction of proto-languages.

Saussure's own contributions to linguistics, particularly his groundbreaking work in the field of semiotics and structural linguistics, further advanced our understanding of language structure and meaning. His influential ideas about the arbitrary nature of the linguistic sign, the synchronic and diachronic dimensions of language, and the importance of language as a system of signs have had a lasting impact on the study of language and communication.

In conclusion, Saussure's quote encapsulates the intellectual fervor and scholarly inquiry that characterized the study of Indo-European languages and the broader field of linguistics. It underscores the significance of comparative linguistics in unraveling the historical connections and evolutionary trajectories of languages, and it reflects the enduring legacy of Saussure's own contributions to the understanding of language as a complex and dynamic system of communication.

The quote serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of linguistic inquiry and the ongoing quest to decipher the intricate tapestry of human language across cultures and time periods.