Which term describes the rules governing the formation of words?

The correct answer is morphology, which refers to the study of the structure and formation of words in a language. Morphology examines how different morphemes – the smallest units of meaning – combine to create new words or alter the meanings of existing words. This includes understanding prefixes, suffixes, root words, and how they interact within the framework of a language.

For example, in the word "unhappiness," "un-" is a prefix that reverses the meaning of "happy," while "-ness" is a suffix that turns the adjective "happy" into a noun. Morphology helps learners understand not just single words, but also how variations of words can change meanings and grammatical functions. The study of morphology is essential for developing vocabulary and comprehension skills, particularly for English language learners who may be trying to decipher unfamiliar words.

In contrast, phonetics focuses on the sounds of speech, syntax deals with the arrangement of words in sentences, and semantics involves the meanings of words and phrases. While these areas are crucial for understanding and mastering language, none pertain specifically to word formation in the way that morphology does.