What term refers to small differences in language sounds that can change meaning within a language?

• A. Phonemic
• B. Procedural knowledge
• C. Processability theory
• D. Obligatory contexts

Answer: (A)

Small differences in language sounds that can change meaning within a language are phonemic contrasts. Phonemes are the abstract sound units that create those contrasts; swapping one phoneme for another in a word usually yields a different word with a different meaning. That focus on sound differences that change meaning is what the term phonemic captures.

Procedural knowledge is about knowing how to do things, not about sound systems or meaning distinctions. Processability theory deals with how learners process language in real time, a cognitive processing model rather than a description of sound contrasts. Obligatory contexts refer to where a form must appear in grammar, not to how sound differences influence meaning.