Explanation
A language-specific sound category whose contrasts can distinguish meaning. It makes listeners hear variable sounds as members of stable functional categories.
Example
The form becomes visible in context and can be followed as a movement of interpretation.
Counterexample
A phoneme is an abstract contrastive unit, not a single physical sound.
Distinction
A phoneme is an abstract contrastive unit, not a single physical sound.
Effect on thought and perception
It makes listeners hear variable sounds as members of stable functional categories.
Resonance
It makes listeners hear variable sounds as members of stable functional categories.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Phoneme“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-PHO-0002. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-PHO-0002The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.