Which study focuses on the speech sounds in languages?

Phonology is the branch of linguistics that deals with the systematic organization of sounds in languages. It focuses on the way sounds function in particular languages or dialects and examines how speech sounds are produced, perceived, and structured within linguistic systems. This includes analyzing patterns of sounds, their combinations, and how they interact with one another.

In contrast, syntax involves the rules and principles that govern the structure of sentences, including word order and sentence formation. Semantics pertains to the study of meaning in language, focusing on how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning. Morphology examines the structure of words, including the formation and composition of morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning. With this understanding, it becomes clear why phonology is the correct answer, as it specifically addresses the study of speech sounds.