Final answer:
Phonemes are the distinct sounds in a language that can change the meaning of words, such as the sounds "/s/" and "/sh/" in "sip" versus "ship." They are the structural basis for language and are influenced by various factors, including the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The unique individual sounds that make a difference in the meanings of words are called phonemes. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. For instance, the phonemes "/s/" and "/sh/" in English differentiate words like "sip" and "ship", leading to different meanings. Each language has a specific set of phonemes that are used to construct words. Understanding phonemes is essential for mastering a language since they are foundational to its structure and communication.
Phonemes may also influence certain linguistic qualities based on the environment, such as ejective sounds being more common in languages developed at high altitudes. Languages continually evolve and phonemes play a critical role in that process, affecting not only individual words but also the way they sound in different contexts, contributing to one's personal idiolect and accent characteristics.