What defines a phoneme?

A phoneme is defined as the smallest part of spoken language that makes a difference in meaning. This means that phonemes are the fundamental building blocks of language sound. For instance, changing one phoneme in a word can alter its meaning entirely, such as the difference between "bat" and "pat," which differ only in their initial sounds. Because phonemes distinguish one word from another in speech, they play a crucial role in language processing, speech development, and communication.

Understanding phonemes is essential for students, as it forms the basis for phonics instruction and reading skills. It informs how we teach pronunciation and spelling, as well as how we approach language acquisition in both native and second-language learners. This knowledge provides insight into the structure of language, which is vital for effective teaching.