Linguistics

Linguistics is the science of language and languages.

Subtypes or branches

 * theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics
 * general linguistics, descriptive linguistics
 * historical linguistics
 * psycholinguistics
 * sociolinguistics
 * documentary linguistics

Origin
The term arose in the first half of the 19th century, apparently under the influence of German (Linguistik) and/or French (linguistique). The OED's first attestation is from 1837 ("linguistic").
 * "We may call the science of languages linguistic, as it is called by the best German writers." (Whewell 1837 I. p. cxiv) (cited after OED)

other languages
German Linguistik, Sprachwissenschaft