Which of the following best defines orthography?

Orthography refers to the conventional spelling system of a language, which encompasses the letters used to represent sounds and the rules that govern their arrangement. It is primarily focused on how words are written, highlighting the connection between sounds (phonology) and their written representations (graphemes).

The correct answer emphasizes the essential role of letters in correlating with the phonemes, or sounds, of a language. This understanding is fundamental for developing literacy skills, as mastering orthography helps individuals decipher text and spell words correctly. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of language: the study of word meanings pertains to semantics, the sounds in words focus on phonetics and phonology, and the rules of grammar apply to syntax and the structure of sentences. All are crucial elements of language, but orthography specifically deals with the written component involving letter representation of sounds.