Pronunciation: [kˈɛltɪsˌɪst] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Kelticist" is not intuitive, as it may be expected to be spelled as "Celticist" due to the pronunciation of the letter "C". However, the use of the letter "K" is due to the historical spelling of the name of the Celtic people as "Keltoi". Therefore, the IPA phonetic transcription of "Kelticist" is /ˈkɛltɪsɪst/, with the "K" sound as in "king" and the "ɛ" as in "met".
Kelticist is a noun that refers to an individual who specializes in the field of Celtic studies and exhibits a keen interest in the Celtic culture, language, history, and related subjects. The term is derived from the word "Celtic" and the suffix "-ist," which denotes a person who adheres to or supports a particular doctrine, theory, or pursuit.
A Kelticist is an expert or scholar who dedicates their academic or personal pursuits to gaining in-depth knowledge of the Celtic civilization, which encompasses the various Celtic-speaking peoples and their artifacts, customs, and beliefs. This study may involve exploring the Celtic languages, such as Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, Cornish, Manx, or Breton, as well as investigating the literature, mythology, art, archaeology, and history associated with these societies.
Moreover, a Kelticist may engage in comparative or interdisciplinary research, drawing connections between Celtic traditions and those of other cultures, such as the Norse, Germanic, or Roman civilizations, to better understand the influences and interactions between different societies throughout history.
Kelticists may contribute to academic research, publish scholarly articles or books, teach courses, and participate in conferences and discussions related to Celtic studies. They are often driven by a passion for uncovering the rich tapestry of the Celtic world and promoting its significance within the broader context of global history and cultural heritage.
The term "Kelticist" is formed by combining two elements: "Keltic" and the suffix "-ist".
The word "Keltic" refers to the Celtic people, who are an ancient Indo-European ethnic and linguistic group. They inhabited many regions of Europe, with their origins dating back to the Iron Age. The spelling "Keltic" is used to specifically refer to the branch of the Celts associated with the British Isles (such as the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). On the other hand, the spelling "Celtic" is used as a more general term for the broader Celtic culture and peoples throughout Europe.
The suffix "-ist" is derived from the Greek "-istes", which refers to a person who is an adherent or practitioner of a particular doctrine, system, or ideology.
