Final answer:
Analyzing the sounds that are important in a language is the domain of descriptive linguistics known as phonology. Phonology looks at the rules for sound combinations and their meaning, as well as phonemes, which are vital for understanding linguistic variations and social contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Analyzing the sounds that are important in a language is the part of descriptive linguistics called phonology. Phonology is the study of the sound system of languages; it encompasses the rules for combining sounds and the study of how these sounds convey meaning in communication. It also includes the investigation of dialects, which may have unique phonological systems within a particular language.
Within the framework of linguistics, phonology is essential as it helps to understand how language operates on a sound level. This includes the study of phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning in a language. Understanding phonology is crucial for fields such as sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology, which also consider the social and cultural contexts of language use.