What is semantics concerned with?

Semantics is a branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences in a language. It focuses specifically on how language conveys meaning and the relationships between signifiers, such as words, phrases, signs, and what they stand for or denote.

The correct choice highlights that semantics is concerned with the meaning derived from morphemes (the smallest units of meaning in a language) and the structure of sentences, which combine these morphemes to express ideas. Understanding semantics is crucial for effective communication, as it helps in interpreting spoken and written language correctly.

The other options pertain to different linguistic concepts. Sound patterns in language fall under phonetics and phonology, which focus on the auditory aspects of language rather than meaning. Grammatical rules relate specifically to syntax and morphology, which govern how words and phrases are constructed but do not directly address their meanings. Physical gestures in communication are associated with non-verbal communication and kinesics, rather than the semantic content of spoken or written language.