Linguistic theory is the study of the structure, function, and acquisition of language. It encompasses a wide range of topics including phonology (the study of sound patterns), syntax (the study of sentence structure), semantics (the study of meaning), and pragmatics (the study of how language is used in context). Linguistic theory also includes research on language acquisition, language variation and change, and the relationship between language and cognition. Through theoretical analysis and empirical research, linguists aim to better understand the fundamental properties of language and how it is processed and produced by humans.