What would a sociolinguist most likely study?

A sociolinguist focuses on the intersection of language and society, exploring how social contexts influence language use and understanding. This includes studying pragmatic rules, such as register (the level of formality in language) and nonverbal communication, which are essential for effective interaction in different social situations.

By analyzing how language varies across different social groups, geographic areas, and contexts, sociolinguists examine how language affects and is affected by social factors, such as class, gender, age, and ethnicity. This study helps us understand the complexities of communication that go beyond mere words, delving into the subtleties of meaning that depend on social norms and context.

In contrast, other fields of study, such as those focusing on formal grammar, cognitive processes, or historical language changes, would not center on the immediate social implications of language use as a sociolinguist would.