What is linguistics?

'Linguistics' (lin-gwiss-tics) means studying language(s) but in a systematic, science-like way.

In this field of knowledge, we mainly study:

• how a language works,
• how the speakers of a language use it to express their thoughts and feelings,
• how over time a language changes (i.e. how it evolves or dies out),
• how a language differs from other languages around the world,
• how we can teach it to others (including Computers/machines) in a better way,
• and how a speaker of one language can learn other languages effectively.

So in short terms, every study where the main focus is any language is linguistics. It is a major field of knowledge which is divided into multiple sub-fields.

Main Branches of Linguistics

A language (which, in simplest terms can be defined as a medium/system of communication between two or more entities) can be studied from multiple perspectives (points of view) because of its numerous applications and the number of ways it can exist. That's why linguistics (the systematic study of languages) is divided into different branches or sub-level categories, which include:

Illustration of the Branches of Linguistics (Tap to get a clearer view)

• Phonetics & Phonology (here we study speech sounds and their properties)
• Morphology (here we study word structure – how words are made or structured)
• Syntax (here we study sentence structure – how sentences are made or structured)
• Semantics (here we study the meanings of words)
• Pragmatics (here we study how language is used differently in different situations, i.e., context)
• Semiotics (here we study symbols and graphical elements which communicate some meaning)

Pure vs Applied Linguistics

Apart from these main branches, there are other branches of linguistics as well which are based on the approach and the purpose with which we study any language.

1. Pure Linguistics: When we study or research languages primarily for the purpose of increasing in and expanding the body of knowledge by exploring something new about the language without any intention of practically applying the findings.
2. Applied Linguistics: In applied linguistics, languages are studied so the findings can be directly applied to solve different (language-related) problems or to meet certain agendas.

If we think of linguistics like a car. Pure linguistics is like studying how a car engine works. Applied linguistics is like using that knowledge to repair cars, improve driving, or design better vehicles.

A pure linguist may ask:

How is the /θ/ sound in "think" produced?

An applied linguist after finding the answer to previous question will go a step further and ask:

How can this knowledge be used to help Pakistani English learners in pronouncing /θ/ more clearly?

Common Misconception about Linguistics

Many people think a linguist is simply a person who knows many languages. This is a common misunderstanding. A person who knows many languages may be called multilingual (able to use several languages), but a linguist is someone who studies language in the same way a biologist studies life.

Therefore, linguistics is not mainly about memorising languages. It is about understanding the system behind languages and/or utilising that knowledge in order to solve language related problems..

There are other branches of linguistics as well based on disciplines; click here to learn about them.