What is phonology concerned with?

Phonology is a branch of linguistics that specifically focuses on the systematic organization of sounds in languages. When we refer to phonology, we are discussing the way sounds function together to create meaning and how they can be combined, contrasted, and altered. This includes aspects like phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that can convey a difference in meaning, as well as patterns of sounds and the rules governing their use.

Understanding phonology is critical in literacy because it helps learners recognize that words are made up of various sounds, which can significantly aid in their reading and spelling skills. This is essential for developing phonemic awareness, a vital precursor to reading comprehension and literacy development. In contrast, other options such as the written form of words, the meaning of mouth movements, or the arrangement of words in sentences address different areas of language—orthography, semantics, and syntax respectively—rather than the sound structures that define phonology.