The word etymology comes from a Greek term that means “true sense,” and it was first used in France in the 14th century. The term itself is a good fit for the field of research that looks into the origins, history, and changing meanings of words. If you’ve ever wondered where words come from or how and why they’ve changed over time, becoming an etymologist might be for you.
One of the most important requirements for an etymologist is a passion for words and a desire to know the truth. There are many stories about the origins of words, and some of them are true, but it is part of the job to separate fact from fiction, even if it means discrediting a widely accepted story. Etymologists must be willing to wade through a jumble of world languages in order to determine the word’s origin language or languages, as well as the time and place of its first appearance.
Education and training are the first steps in becoming an etymologist. Although those with a similar passion can work as educators, writers, or editors and obtain the necessary training and credentials for those fields, a degree in linguistics, philology, language studies, or another field directly related to language is preferred in the field. Although a post-graduate degree is not required, most employers prefer it. In order to find work, those interested in the field should expect to spend four to eight years in school.
There is no such thing as a standard job description, and each one is unique. An etymologist working for a university might be deciphering the origins of obscure words in an ancient manuscript, whereas someone working for a private company might be collaborating with computer software developers to create programming languages that mimic human speech patterns. Etymologist responsibilities vary as much as the job description, with each position requiring etymologists to serve in a different capacity.
Physical exertion is not required. The majority of etymologists work in an office setting. Keeping regular office hours is usually possible. Depending on the job description, interaction with other people ranges from almost non-existent to almost constant. An etymologist who also teaches linguistics will have more social interaction than someone who is attempting to decipher a word or phrase.