The distinction between competence and performance was proposed by F. de Saussure.

The study of meaning in language is known as semantics.

Phonetics is different from phonology in that the latter studies the combinations of the sounds to convey meaning in communication.

Findings in linguistic studies can often be applied to the settlement of some practical problems. The study of such applications is generally known as a（）linguistics.

Modern linguistics is different from traditional grammar.

Syntax

Phonology

Sociolinguistics is the study of language in relation to society.

Linguistics

D（）is one of the design features of human language which refers to the phenomenon that language consists of two levels: a lower level of meaningless individual sounds and a higher level of meaningful units.