There are many sub-fields of linguistics. Phoneticians study how sounds are produced and perceived. Phonology is the study of how sounds are organized into unique systems for different languages. The structure of words is examined in morphology. The organization of words into larger units is called syntax.
Meaning is studied in the sub-fields of semantics and pragmatics.
In these sub-fields linguists are creating models of the structural features of language, in order to identify the defining characteristics of human language. Other linguists study the ways in which language is used. Some study the language development of children. Others the ways in which the form of language we use may vary according to social categories such as gender, social class, and ethnicity. Some linguists study the ways in which languages have evolved over time and attempt to identify general principles of language change.