Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Phonology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📣
Add to dictionary

phonology

[fəˈnɒlədʒi ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Phonology differs from phonetics, which focuses on the physical properties of sounds, whereas phonology deals with the abstract, cognitive aspects of sound systems.
  • Each language has its own phonological rules that dictate how sounds can combine, affecting pronunciation and meaning.

Cognitive Science

  • Phonological awareness is crucial for reading and writing skills, particularly in early childhood education.
  • Research shows that understanding sound patterns can help with language acquisition and literacy development in children.

Pop Culture

  • Phonology plays a significant role in poetry and song lyrics, where sound patterns can influence the rhythm and emotional impact of the words.
  • Many popular languages and dialects have distinctive phonological features, which can give regional identity in music and conversation.

Applied Linguistics

  • Speech therapy often relies on phonological principles to help individuals correct speech sound errors.
  • Language teaching methods frequently incorporate phonology to aid pronunciation and listening skills.

Origin of 'phonology'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek words 'phōnē' meaning 'sound' and 'logia' meaning 'study'.
  • The concept began to take shape in the early 20th century, significantly influenced by linguists like Ferdinand de Saussure.

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.