What does phonology refer to?

Phonology refers to the speech sounds of a language. It encompasses the study of the sounds that make up words and how those sounds interact with each other. Understanding phonology is essential for grasping how speech is produced, perceived, and organized within a language system. This knowledge is particularly important for educators and specialists in the context of exceptional student education, where addressing phonological skills can support students with reading difficulties or speech sound disorders.

The focus on speech sounds allows individuals to develop phonemic awareness, which is crucial for effective reading and writing. Phonological skills include the ability to identify, isolate, and manipulate sounds, all of which are foundational for literacy development. This makes phonology a critical area of study in linguistics and education.