• The core areas of linguistic theory are phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. A grammar is a system of rules that characterize the phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics of a natural language. The properties of grammars are the central focus of linguistic theory.
  • Linguistics—which studies the structure of language—scientifically examines how we create messages in our minds, and how we put together sounds and symbols to convey those messages in ways that create meaning and understanding for ourselves and others.