Final answer:
People who make comprehensive studies of languages and their component parts are known as linguists. They examine aspects like lexicon, grammar, dialects, and language acquisition, as well as applications in solving real-world problems connected to language use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Linguistics is the scientific study of language, covering various aspects including phonetics, syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.
Through their work, linguists strive to understand the structure, function, and evolution of language, exploring areas such as language acquisition, dialects, and mutual intelligibility.
Language itself is composed of a lexicon and grammar, with the lexicon being a language's vocabulary, and grammar referring to the rules used to convey meaning.
Applied linguists specifically focus on solving real-world language-related problems, and may be involved in educational initiatives like language recovery and revitalization programs.
The work of linguists is instrumental in shaping our understanding of language and guiding its use in changing societal contexts.