Which area focuses on the structure of words themselves in language studies?

The correct choice, which focuses on the structure of words within language studies, is morphology. Morphology is the branch of linguistics concerned with the formation and structure of words, including their internal components, such as root words, prefixes, and suffixes. It examines how these elements interact to create meaning and how they change in different contexts (e.g., tense, number, or gender). This aspect of language studies is essential for understanding how words are built and how they function within a language.

In comparison, syntax deals with the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences, rather than focusing on the words themselves. Phonetics, on the other hand, pertains to the sounds of speech, including their production and perception, which does not involve word structure. Pragmatics covers the use of language in context, including the social aspects of communication and meaning beyond the literal interpretation. Each of these areas plays a critical role in the overall study of language, but morphology specifically zeroes in on word structure.