Which term specifically refers to the rules that guide the relationships between sounds and meanings in a language?

The correct term that specifically refers to the rules guiding the relationships between sounds and meanings in a language is semantics. Semantics deals with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences, highlighting how different sounds (phonemes) correspond to particular meanings or concepts in language. It explores how various elements of language convey specific meanings and how context can influence interpretation.

In contrast, grammar is a broader term encompassing the entire structure of a language, including syntax (which focuses on sentence structure) and morphology (the formation of words). Pragmatics pertains to the context of language use and how meaning can change based on situational factors, rather than the direct relationship between sounds and meanings. Syntax specifically addresses how words are arranged to create sentences, which does not directly tackle the relationship between sounds and their meanings. Thus, semantics is the precise term that captures the essence of that relationship.