Is there a term for a lover of linguistics or a lover of language?

Yes, there are terms for individuals who have a strong passion or love for linguistics or languages. Here are two common terms used to describe such individuals:

1. Linguaphile: A linguaphile is someone who loves languages and has a deep appreciation for them. They are enthusiastic about exploring different languages, their structures, histories, and cultural contexts. Linguaphiles often enjoy studying and learning new languages and may have an extensive knowledge of various linguistic concepts.
2. Philologist: Philology is the study of language in written historical sources, including its origins and development. A philologist is someone who engages in the scholarly study of language and its historical evolution. They examine texts, analyze language structures, and investigate the relationships between languages. Philologists often have a profound interest in linguistic diversity and the intricacies of language.

Both terms highlight an individual's passion for languages and linguistics, but they differ slightly in emphasis. "Linguaphile" emphasizes the love of languages as a whole, while "philologist" specifically focuses on the scholarly study of language in historical contexts.