What does phonology refer to in a language?

Phonology refers specifically to the sounds used in a language. It encompasses the study of how these sounds are organized, produced, and perceived within a particular linguistic system. This includes the phonemes, which are the distinct units of sound that can differentiate meaning in words. Understanding phonology is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for further exploration into aspects like pronunciation, accent, and the rhythmic and intonational patterns of speech.

The nature of phonology illustrates how foundational the sound system is to the structure of language itself, affecting everything from basic communication to more complex forms of linguistics. This focus on sounds does not include meanings of words or sentence structure rules, which are part of semantics and syntax, respectively, nor does it pertain to the social use of language, which falls under sociolinguistics.