Which linguistic analysis focuses specifically on conversations and text beyond a single sentence?

Discourse analysis is the correct choice because it specifically examines how language operates in larger contexts, such as conversations, written text, and other forms of communication that extend beyond individual sentences. This field of study looks at the structures and functions of language as it is used in various social interactions and contexts, considering factors like context, cultural norms, and the roles of speakers and listeners.

In contrast, syntax focuses on the arrangement of words and phrases to create grammatically correct sentences, while phonology deals with the sound systems of languages and how these sounds are structured. Lexical semantics pertains to the meaning of words and phrases and their relationships, emphasizing the meanings within individual words rather than their interactions in larger contexts. Thus, discourse analysis uniquely emphasizes understanding language in its broader communicative context, which makes it the most suitable choice for the question.