What does phonology refer to in speech disorders?

Phonology refers specifically to the study of how sounds function within a particular language or languages. In the context of speech disorders, it encompasses the systematic patterns and rules that govern sound organization and their meanings in speech production. When we refer to a disorder within the linguistic system, we are highlighting that phonology deals with the abstract, cognitive aspects of sound patterns and how they relate to language meaning, rather than the physical articulation of those sounds.

This focus on the underlying rules and structures of sound contrasts sharply with the other aspects mentioned in the options. For instance, motor problems affecting articulation relate to the physical production of speech sounds rather than the mental rules governing them. Hearing impairments involve auditory processing issues that can impact speech and language development, while social communication issues address the pragmatic aspects of language use in social contexts. Therefore, recognizing phonology as a disorder within the linguistic system aligns accurately with its definition and scope in speech disorders.