What is 'metalinguistics' concerned with?

Metalinguistics is a field that focuses on analyzing language as an object of study. This means it examines language itself, its structure, functions, and the way it operates within various contexts. Metalinguistics encourages individuals to think about language critically and reflectively, allowing them to understand how language conveys meaning and how it is used for communication.

In this context, the concern with language as an object involves exploring various linguistic concepts, such as phonetics, grammar, semantics, and pragmatics, as separate entities that can be dissected and understood independently of their usage in everyday communication. This analytical perspective enables learners and researchers to better grasp complex language phenomena, such as the nuances of meaning and implication in different communicative scenarios.

While the other options touch on important aspects of linguistic study—such as the rules of language structure or the meanings behind words—they do not encompass the broader diagnostic perspective that defines metalinguistics. Therefore, the understanding of language as an object is central to this concept, highlighting its significance in the study of language and communication.