What is the opposite of linguistics?

There isn't a single, perfect opposite of linguistics. It depends on what aspect of linguistics you're considering. Here are some possible interpretations and their opposites:

1. If "linguistics" is understood as the study of language:

* Opposite: The study of non-linguistic phenomena. This could include things like mathematics, physics, biology, art, music, or any field that doesn't focus on language.

2. If "linguistics" is understood as the study of language structure and its elements:

* Opposite: The study of language use and its social functions. This would be the domain of sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and other fields that examine how language is used in real-world situations.

3. If "linguistics" is understood as the scientific study of language:

* Opposite: The unscientific study of language. This could include things like folk etymology, superstitions about language, or personal interpretations of language that are not grounded in evidence.

4. If "linguistics" is understood as the study of human language:

* Opposite: The study of animal communication. This would be the domain of zoosemiotics, which investigates the communication systems of non-human animals.

Ultimately, the "opposite" of linguistics depends on your definition of linguistics and what aspect of it you're interested in. There isn't a single, perfect opposite that encompasses all of its facets.