What defines a phoneme in linguistics?

A phoneme is defined as the smallest unit of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. This definition encapsulates its significance in linguistics because phonemes play a critical role in the structure of language. For example, changing one phoneme in the word "bat" to "cat" changes the meaning of the word entirely. This illustrates how phonemes function as foundational elements in the formation of words and how they contribute to verbal communication.

Understanding phonemes is crucial for activities like phonemic awareness, which is essential for reading and pronunciation skills. Thus, identifying phonemes allows learners to break down and manipulate sounds within words, enhancing their literacy development.