Sociolinguistics is the study of how language and society are intertwined and how language is used in different social contexts. It explores how language usage is influenced by factors such as social class, ethnicity, gender, age, and geographical location. Sociolinguists analyze language variation and change, language attitudes and ideologies, language policy and planning, and the relationship between language and identity. The field seeks to understand how language functions as a tool for social interaction and communication within diverse communities and cultures.