
Theoretical linguistics
Theoretical linguistics is the study of the abstract principles and structures that govern language. It explores how languages are constructed, how they convey meaning, and the rules that enable communication. This field examines concepts like syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning), and phonetics (sounds) to understand language as a system. Researchers might analyze how different languages share common features or how humans acquire language. The goal is to uncover the fundamental properties of language itself, providing insights into human cognition, culture, and society.