What is the meaning system of language known as?

The meaning system of language is referred to as semantics. Semantics encompasses the study of meaning, covering how words, phrases, and sentences convey specific meanings and how they relate to one another within a language. It explores the interpretation of language and the ways in which context influences understanding. Understanding semantics is essential for effective communication and comprehension because it addresses how language can represent ideas, emotions, and concepts.

The other aspects of language such as phonetics, syntax, and pragmatics, while essential to the overall understanding of language, focus on different elements. Phonetics deals with the sounds of speech and how they are produced, while syntax pertains to the structure and rules that govern sentence formation. Pragmatics involves the context-dependent aspects of meaning, how language is used in context to communicate effectively beyond the literal interpretation of words. Each of these areas plays a critical role in linguistics, but semantics specifically targets the meaning system of the language.