英えい学がく

noun

study of English for Western knowledge (historical)

Refers to the study of English as a means to acquire Western learning, especially during the late Edo and early Meiji periods after Japan's isolation ended. A historical term not used for modern English studies.

• 幕ばく末まつには、多おおくの若わか者ものが英えい学がくを学まなぶために長なが崎さきへ向むかった。

  At the end of the Edo period, many young people went to Nagasaki to study English for Western knowledge.

noun

English literature; British studies

A less common, somewhat dated term for English literature or British studies. In modern contexts, 英文学 (えいぶんがく) is more typical for English literature.

• 彼かれは大だい学がくで英えい学がくを専せん攻こうし、シェイクスピアを研けん究きゅうした。

  He majored in English literature at university and studied Shakespeare.