phonetics vs. phonology [closed]

Solution 1:

Phonetics deals with the actual sounds and their articulation, like the difference between the articulation of 't' and 'd' (where the 't' is voiceless and the 'd' is voiced).

Phonology deals with the rules of how those sounds, the phonetics, are put together. For instance, how a 't' in medial position is pronounced as a flap and not a hard 't' sound (i.e. 'butter').

Solution 2:

I would agree with Mark T for his apt description of phonetics.

I would like to extend his phonology definition to include the study of which sounds can and cannot be combined in a given language. For example, in English, an initial t or p is aspirated (small puff of air follows: try speaking it in front of a lit candle!). But medial t or p is not aspirated. Think of the word papa, and try to not aspirate the first p and then to aspirate the medial p. It just "doesn't sound" like English.

Another aspect of phonology is how sounds may be altered but still be understood. For example, in English, many unstressed vowels move toward a neutral schwa. And certain sounds may be elided or shifted as in I wanna hold your hand or I'm gonna git you, sucka.

Yet another area of phonology is how social classes may be indicated by speech. Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady or more academic studies come to mind.