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a systematic pattern or process in a language that governs the way phonemes or sounds interact with each other, influencing their pronunciation or distribution within words and sentences
What is a "phonological rule"?
A phonological rule is a guideline that describes how sounds function and pattern in a particular language. These rules explain how phonemes can change their pronunciation depending on their environment or context within words. For example, in English, a common phonological rule is that a voiced consonant may become voiceless when it occurs before a voiceless consonant, as in the change from "have to" to "hafta" in casual speech. Phonological rules are important in the study of linguistics because they help to understand sound patterns, language structure, and how pronunciation can vary in different contexts.
