Phonological rules are systematic patterns that describe how sounds function and interact in a particular language. These rules help explain variations in pronunciation, such as how certain sounds may change depending on their position in a word or the sounds surrounding them. For example, in English, the plural suffix “-s” can be pronounced as /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/ based on the final sound of the word it attaches to. These rules are essential for understanding the phonological structure of languages, including how sounds can be combined or altered. Linguists study these rules to analyze language patterns and improve language learning. By recognizing phonological rules, speakers can better grasp the nuances of their language, such as English or Spanish.