How does phonology differ from phonetics?

How does phonology differ from phonetics?

• A. Phonology is a subset of phonetics
• B. Phonetics studies meaning while phonology does not
• C. Phonetics focuses on sound properties while phonology focuses on sound functions
• D. Phonology entails the physical aspects of sound

Answer: (C)

Phonology focuses on the abstract, systematic nature of sounds and how they function within a particular language. This includes the rules and patterns that govern sound combinations, such as syllable structure and stress patterns, as well as the relationships between sounds in a language. Conversely, phonetics deals with the physical properties of sounds, including their articulation, acoustic properties, and auditory perception. By focusing specifically on these functions and the broader linguistic patterns they create, phonology helps to elucidate why certain sound combinations are permissible in a language and how sounds convey meaning through their organization. This distinction emphasizes that phonetics emphasizes the "how" of sound production and transmission, while phonology highlights the "why" regarding sound arrangement and its implications for meaning within a language.

Phonology focuses on the abstract, systematic nature of sounds and how they function within a particular language. This includes the rules and patterns that govern sound combinations, such as syllable structure and stress patterns, as well as the relationships between sounds in a language. Conversely, phonetics deals with the physical properties of sounds, including their articulation, acoustic properties, and auditory perception.

By focusing specifically on these functions and the broader linguistic patterns they create, phonology helps to elucidate why certain sound combinations are permissible in a language and how sounds convey meaning through their organization. This distinction emphasizes that phonetics emphasizes the "how" of sound production and transmission, while phonology highlights the "why" regarding sound arrangement and its implications for meaning within a language.