Linguistics is the scientific study of language aimed at understanding the structure and
function of language

Linguistics is considered as a science because of the following reasons

1
Linguistics employs the methodology of science _ observation, classification, hypothesis formulation, testing, verification etc

2
Linguistics relies on empirical data-i.e. data obtained by experimentation or observation. It avoids subjective and speculative approaches , linguistics aims is to make objective statements about language

3
Linguistics is not prescriptive but descriptive. It does not attempt to describe use and varieties of use, based on clear principles

4 The concepts of language developed by linguistics is not based on a particular language or group of languages. Linguistics aim to state universal rules by studying different languages and language groups

5
Linguistics studies not only language performance but the competence of the speakers. Competence is the knowledge about language contained in the brain of the speakers