What does phonology study?

Phonology is a branch of linguistics that specifically focuses on the sound systems of languages. It examines how sounds function and are organized within a particular language, including the rules governing sound combinations, syllable structures, intonation, stress patterns, and the distinctions between phonemes (the smallest units of sound that can change meaning).

Understanding phonology is essential for analyzing patterns in speech and how those patterns contribute to the communication process. This focus on the auditory aspects of language differentiates phonology from other linguistic components such as semantics, which addresses meanings (as mentioned in the first choice), syntax, which pertains to sentence structure (as indicated in the second choice), and grammar, which encompasses a broader set of rules utilized in language (related to the fourth choice). By studying phonology, linguists can better understand not only the sounds themselves but also how these sounds impact spoken language and communication.