Answer:
b. the smallest distinctive sound units of a language
Step-by-step explanation:
Phonemes -
It is consider to be the smallest unit of sound , which helps to separate out the word from other word for a specific language , is referred to as a phonemes .
It helps to make the every word distinct , so the words can be understood individually .
For example ,
To distinguish between , Soar and Roar.
and
Tap , Map , Lap , etc.
Hence , from the given options , the correct option is b. the smallest distinctive sound units of a language .