Filippo Salvatore Gilii

Filippo Salvatore Gilii (1721–1789), also known as Felipe Salvador Gilij, was an Italian Jesuit priest and a pioneering figure in the field of South American linguistics.

His contributions to linguistics, ethnography, and the understanding of indigenous South American societies have left an indelible mark on the academic world.

His classification was one of the earliest proposals of South American language families and provided a framework for future linguistic studies in the region.

Gilii’s ethnographic work was not limited to mere observation; he actively engaged with the indigenous peoples, learning their languages and participating in their daily lives.

His work provided a foundation for the study of South American languages and cultures, influencing subsequent generations of linguists and anthropologists.