Understanding subfields of linguistics?

I'm a high school junior considering a major in linguistics but I'm still not sure about the various subfields. Can someone who's knowledgeable in this field explain the different subdomains and their focuses?

Hey there! I'm happy to help you explore the subfields of linguistics. Linguistics is a diverse field, and while not exhaustive, I'll provide you with some key domains to consider:

1. Syntax: Syntax focuses on sentence structure, how words are combined to form phrases and sentences.

2. Phonetics: This subfield studies the physical properties of sounds in spoken languages, including how they are articulated, transmitted, and perceived.

3. Phonology: Phonology addresses the way sounds function within specific languages and across different languages.

4. Semantics: Semantics deals with meaning. It's about how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning within a language.

5. Pragmatics: Pragmatics looks at how context influences the meaning and interpretation of utterances. It covers how language can be used in different situations, and how meaning can shift based on context.

6. Sociolinguistics: This subfield studies the social aspects of language. It investigates topics like language variation, language change, language attitudes, and language and identity.

7. Psycholinguistics: Psycholinguistics explores the psychological processes behind language acquisition, production, and comprehension.

8. Computational linguistics: This area of linguistics applies computational methods to language analysis, and it's related to natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

Check out this CollegeVine article for some more details on linguistics subfields: https://blog.collegevine.com/linguistics-major-subfields

I hope this helps you gain a better understanding of linguistics and its subfields! Remember that research under each domain can vary, so I recommend diving into specific topics that spark your interest.