What does semantics refer to in language?

Semantics refers to the study of meaning in language, focusing on how words, phrases, and sentences express meaning. It involves understanding how word arrangements convey various meanings and how context can influence this understanding. Choice C is correct because it highlights that semantics is concerned with meaning, particularly how the arrangement of words can change or enhance the interpretation of a message.

The other options address different aspects of language. The structure of words pertains to morphology, which deals with the formation and structure of words themselves. The rules of sentence construction relate to syntax, the set of rules that govern the structure of sentences in a language. Sound patterns of words are linked to phonetics and phonology, which explore how sounds function. Hence, while all these areas are vital components of linguistics, semantics specifically targets meaning, making the focus on word arrangement and meaning essential to understanding semantics properly.