Which category includes the study of sounds and their roles in language?

The study of sounds and their roles in language falls under the category of phonetics. Phonetics focuses specifically on the physical properties of sounds, how they are produced, transmitted, and perceived. It encompasses the classification and description of speech sounds, allowing researchers to understand the nuances of sound in various languages. This is essential for linguists as it provides the foundational knowledge about how sounds function within different linguistic systems.

In contrast, morphology deals with the structure and construction of words, looking at how morphemes—the smallest units of meaning—combine to create words. Sociolinguistics examines the relationship between language and social factors, including how language varies and changes in different social contexts. Syntax focuses on the rules and principles that govern the structure of sentences, including how words combine to form phrases and sentences. Each of these fields addresses different elements of language, highlighting the unique role that phonetics plays in the overall study of linguistics.