What aspect of language does phonology primarily study?

What aspect of language does phonology primarily study?

• A. The meaning of words
• B. The sounds of language
• C. The formation of words
• D. The context of communication

Answer: (B)

Phonology primarily studies the sounds of language, focusing on how those sounds are organized and how they function within specific languages. This includes examining features such as phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning, as well as the rules that govern sound combinations and patterns. Phonology is essential for understanding the pronunciation and articulation of words, as well as how variations in sound can affect meaning in spoken language. The other options do not pertain to the focus of phonology. The meaning of words relates to semantics, the formation of words is studied in morphology, and the context of communication pertains to pragmatics. This distinction clarifies why the study of sounds is fundamental to phonology.

Phonology primarily studies the sounds of language, focusing on how those sounds are organized and how they function within specific languages. This includes examining features such as phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning, as well as the rules that govern sound combinations and patterns. Phonology is essential for understanding the pronunciation and articulation of words, as well as how variations in sound can affect meaning in spoken language.

The other options do not pertain to the focus of phonology. The meaning of words relates to semantics, the formation of words is studied in morphology, and the context of communication pertains to pragmatics. This distinction clarifies why the study of sounds is fundamental to phonology.