Historical linguistics, also known as diachronic linguistics, is the study of how languages change over time. Linguists in this field analyze the evolution of languages by comparing different languages and tracing their origins, development, and relationships. They examine fundamental properties of languages and linguistic features, such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, to reconstruct and understand the historical relationships between languages and their common ancestors. By studying these changes, linguists can uncover valuable insights into human prehistory, migration patterns, and cultural interactions.