What does semantics address in language?

Semantics is the branch of linguistics and philosophy that concerns itself with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences. It focuses on how meaning is generated and understood in language. This involves not just individual words but also the meanings derived from combinations of words, contextual meanings, and connotations. For example, understanding that the word "dog" refers to a specific type of animal relies on semantic knowledge. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of language: sound structure relates to phonetics, deciphering written text pertains to reading skills, and the arrangement of words in sentences is about syntax. Thus, the role of semantics is central to understanding and communicating ideas accurately, making it the correct answer in this context.