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Phonology: meaning, definitions and examples

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phonology

 

[ fəˈnɒlədʒi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics study

Phonology is the branch of linguistics that deals with the systematic organization of sounds in languages. It focuses on the way sounds function in particular languages or dialects and how they are organized into larger units, such as syllables and words. Phonology is distinct from phonetics, which deals with the physical properties of sounds.

Synonyms

phonetic structure, sound system

Examples of usage

  • Phonology examines sound patterns.
  • The phonology of English includes various stress patterns.
  • Students learn phonology in linguistics courses.

Translations

Translations of the word "phonology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fonologia

🇮🇳 ध्वनिशास्त्र

🇩🇪 Phonologie

🇮🇩 fonologi

🇺🇦 фонологія

🇵🇱 fonologia

🇯🇵 音韻論

🇫🇷 phonologie

🇪🇸 fonología

🇹🇷 fonoloji

🇰🇷 음운론

🇸🇦 علم الصوتيات

🇨🇿 fonologie

🇸🇰 fonológia

🇨🇳 音位学

🇸🇮 fonologija

🇮🇸 hljóðfræði

🇰🇿 фонология

🇬🇪 ფონოლოგია

🇦🇿 fonologiya

🇲🇽 fonología

Etymology

The term 'phonology' was first coined in the early 20th century, deriving from the Greek words 'phōnē', meaning 'sound', and 'logia', meaning 'study of'. The concept emerged as linguists began to focus more on the abstract, cognitive aspects of language sound systems rather than just the physical articulation of speech sounds, which is the domain of phonetics. Phonology looks at how sounds function and contrast in different languages and how these sounds can create meaning. Over time, phonology has developed various subfields, such as distinctive features, prosody, and syllable structure, expanding our understanding of how language operates at the sound level. Its evolution has been influenced by advancements in rhetorical, cognitive, and psychological approaches to language.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,780, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.