Which area of study focuses on the sound systems of language?

The area of study that focuses on the sound systems of language is phonology. Phonology examines how sounds function in particular languages or dialects, looking at the distribution, patterning, and rules governing sound combinations. It considers elements such as phonemes (the smallest units of sound), stress patterns, intonation, and the way sounds interact with one another within the structure of a language. This branch of linguistics helps linguists and speech-language pathologists understand the foundational role of sound in communication and language development.

In contrast, syntax deals with the structure of sentences and the rules that govern sentence formation. Morphology focuses on the internal structure of words and the way in which morphemes, the smallest units of meaning, combine to form words. Pragmatics centers on the context of language use and how meaning is constructed in social interactions. Each of these areas is essential in the broader study of linguistics but specifically, phonology's focus on sound systems uniquely defines its contribution to understanding language.