What does phonology refer to in the context of language?

Phonology refers to the speech-sound system of a language, which includes the rules and patterns related to how sounds function and interact within that particular language. It encompasses the study of phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning, as well as how these sounds combine and are organized in spoken language. Understanding phonology is crucial for literacy development, as it underpins phonemic awareness, which is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken words—a foundational skill in learning to read and write.

The other options focus on different aspects of language and literature: the structure of written texts pertains to syntax and compositional elements; the meaning of words is related to semantics; and the analysis of literature deals with interpretation and critical examination of texts. Each of these areas is important in the study of language, but they do not define phonology.