True or False: Spoken language can be divided into phonemes.

The statement is true because spoken language consists of phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound that can distinguish one word from another in a particular language. For instance, changing a single phoneme in a word can alter its meaning entirely, such as in the words "bat" and "pat," where the initial sounds differentiate the two words. Phonemes play a critical role in the phonological system of a language, helping speakers and listeners to construct and interpret meanings effectively.

The concept of phonemes is fundamental in understanding language development and literacy, as recognizing these sounds is essential for decoding written language. This is true across various languages, making phonemic awareness a key component of effective reading instruction. While some may think phonemes only apply to written language or only certain languages, the ability to break spoken language into phonemes is a universal aspect of how languages operate.