What does the study of pragmatics focus on?

The study of pragmatics focuses on the use of language in context and the social aspects of communication. This area examines how meaning is constructed in interactions and how contextual factors, such as the circumstances of a conversation, cultural background, and the relationships between speakers, influence understanding. Pragmatics encompasses understanding implicature, speech acts, and the nuances of how language functions beyond its literal meaning.

In contrast, grammar involves the rules and structure of language, phonetic transcription pertains to the sounds of speech, and focusing solely on written language would overlook the dynamic and interactive qualities of communication that pragmatics seeks to explore. Thus, the correct answer highlights the significance of context in the interpretation and use of language, which is central to pragmatics.