Which term outlines the rules that determine the use of sounds in spoken language?

Phonology is the term that outlines the rules governing the use of sounds in spoken language. It encompasses the study of how sounds function in particular languages and the systems and patterns of sounds that are used to convey meaning. Phonology involves understanding how sounds are organized in the mind and how they are used to form words and sentences in speech.

This includes knowledge about phonemes (the smallest units of sound that can distinguish meaning), syllable structure, stress patterns, and intonation. By understanding phonology, educators and language practitioners can better analyze and support language development in both children and adults, especially those with language delays or disorders.

The other terms refer to related but distinct concepts in linguistics. Lexicon pertains to the vocabulary of a language, including words and their meanings. Semantics refers to the meaning of words and sentences, examining how meaning is constructed and understood. Echolalia, on the other hand, is the repetition of phrases or sentences, often seen in certain developmental disorders, and does not relate to the rules of sound use in a language. Understanding phonology is crucial for anyone involved in language education or therapy because it forms the foundation for how spoken language is structured and understood.