Which field studies the smallest units of sound?

The field that studies the smallest units of sound is phonology. Phonology focuses on the systematic organization of sounds in languages. While it involves the analysis of sound patterns and how they function in particular languages, phonology examines the abstract sound units, known as phonemes. Phonemes are the smallest units that can distinguish meaning in spoken language.

In contrast, morphology studies the structure and formation of words, including how morphemes (the smallest units of meaning) combine to form words. Semantics deals with the meaning of words and phrases, while pragmatics examines how context influences the interpretation of language. Each of these fields addresses different aspects of language, but phonology specifically zeroes in on sound patterns and their roles in communication.