What area does phonology focus on?

• A. Sentence formation
• B. Meaning and context
• C. Sound systems within a language
• D. Word definitions

Answer: (C)

Phonology is the branch of linguistics that studies the sound systems of languages. It focuses on the organization and systematic rules that govern how sounds function within a particular language. This includes aspects such as the distribution of sounds, the rules for sound combinations, and the patterns of sound in speech. By focusing on these elements, phonology helps us understand how different sounds can convey meaning and how they are used in various contexts, thus providing crucial insights into the structure of languages.

The other options pertain to different aspects of language. Sentence formation occurs in syntax, which deals with the arrangement of words and phrases to create coherent sentences. Meaning and context is related to semantics, which is concerned with the meanings of words and phrases and how these meanings change based on context. Word definitions are more aligned with lexicon and vocabulary; they involve the specific meanings of individual words rather than the rules governing sound patterns.