Definition & Meaning of "phonotactics"

What is "phonotactics"?

Phonotactics is the study of the rules and constraints governing the arrangement of sounds in a particular language. This field examines which sound combinations are permissible and which are not, focusing on the phonemes, or distinct units of sound, that can occur together in syllables or words. Phonotactic rules vary across languages, influencing how words are formed and pronounced. By analyzing phonotactics, researchers gain insights into the phonological structure of a language and how these rules affect language processing and speech production.