Abstract

This article examines the academic and organizational contributions of linguists from the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, who have long investigated the language of distinguished Polish users, particularly the so-called “language of writers.” Instead of detailing specific accomplishments, the article seeks to illuminate the central tenets of the research program Bielany Idiolectology, defining its originality. The program consists of the following components: (1) revitalizing theoretical inquiry into the concept of idiolect; (2) defining idiolect as an individual’s linguistic and communicative competence throughout their lifetime, analyzed both synchronically and diachronically; (3) examining the functional variation within idiolects; (4) including a diverse array of phenomena under idiolect studies; (5) adopting a hermeneutic approach that views linguistic elements as evidence of the author’s worldview; and (6) committing to interdisciplinarity. The text also briefly outlines selected theoretical ideas stemming from the research experiences of the Bielany linguists, such as the establishment of a linguistic subdiscipline dedicated to idiolect studies (both creative and otherwise) and a reimagining of the relationship between general language and idiolects as complementary, inseparable aspects of language existence.