Phonologists are linguists who study the sound systems of languages. They focus on how sounds function and interact within a particular language, examining patterns and rules that govern pronunciation. By analyzing phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound, phonologists help to understand how different languages organize their sounds. Phonologists often compare sound systems across languages, contributing to fields like comparative linguistics and language acquisition. Their work can also inform areas such as speech therapy and language teaching, as understanding sound patterns is essential for effective communication and learning.