Definition and scope of phonology
In order to delve into the basics of English phonology, it
is important to establish a clear understanding of what
phonology is and its scope of study. Phonology is a
subfield of linguistics that focuses on the systematic
study of sounds within a particular language or
languages. It examines the patterns, organization, and
rules governing the sounds and their usage in speech.
The scope of phonology encompasses several key
aspects. Firstly, it examines the inventory of sounds in a
language, identifying the distinct phonemes and their
distribution within words. It also investigates the rules
and patterns governing the combination and
sequencing of sounds, known as phonotactics. These
rules determine which sounds can appear in specific
positions within words or syllables (Dodd, et al, 2003).
What is the main objective of phonology?