'''Linguistics''' is the [[scientific method|scientific]] study of [[language]], encompassing a number of sub-fields. An important topical division is between the study of language structure ([[grammar]]) and the study of [[meaning]] ([[semantics]]). Grammar encompasses [[morphology]] (the formation and composition of [[word]]s), [[syntax]] (the rules that determine how words combine into [[phrase]]s and [[sentences]]) and [[phonology]] (the study of sound systems and abstract sound units). [[Phonetics]] is a related branch of linguistics concerned with the actual properties of speech sounds ([[phone]]s), non-speech sounds, and how they are produced and [[speech perception|perceived]]. | '''Linguistics''' is the [[scientific method|scientific]] study of [[language]], encompassing a number of sub-fields. An important topical division is between the study of language structure ([[grammar]]) and the study of [[meaning]] ([[semantics]]). Grammar encompasses [[morphology]] (the formation and composition of [[word]]s), [[syntax]] (the rules that determine how words combine into [[phrase]]s and [[sentences]]) and [[phonology]] (the study of sound systems and abstract sound units). [[Phonetics]] is a related branch of linguistics concerned with the actual properties of speech sounds ([[phone]]s), non-speech sounds, and how they are produced and [[speech perception|perceived]]. |