Which term studies the sound system of language, including phonemes and phonological rules?

• A. Reading
• B. Phonology
• C. Morphology
• D. Semantics

Answer: (B)

Sounds and sound patterns in language are studied by phonology. Phonology focuses on the sound system, including the distinct sound units called phonemes and the rules that govern how those sounds can appear and interact in speech. Phonemes are the basic building blocks that can change meaning, as in how different sounds distinguish words. Phonological rules explain how sounds are organized—what sequences are allowed, how sounds influence one another in context, and how they may change in different environments.

Other areas focus on different aspects: reading concerns decoding and word recognition, morphology looks at the structure of words and their meaningful parts, and semantics deals with meaning. Phonology is the field that specifically handles the sound system.