MTEL Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

Phonology is the branch of linguistics that specifically focuses on the sounds of speech. It examines how phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning, function in particular languages and how they interact with each other. This involves understanding the rules that govern sound patterns and the way these sounds are organized and used within a language system.

While other areas of linguistics, such as semantics, deal with the meaning of words, and syntax addresses the structure and arrangement of sentences, phonology is distinct in its focus solely on sounds. Additionally, historical linguistics explores the historical context and evolution of languages, which is not the domain of phonology. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the specific focus of phonology on speech sounds, making it the right response in this context.