THE PHONEME THEORY AND “PRE-PHONEMIC” PERIOD IN LINGUISTICS

Abstract

This article analyzes the formation and evolution of phoneme theory, with particular emphasis on the contributions of I.A. Baudouin de Courtenay and the transition from the pre-phonemic to the phonemic stage in linguistic science. It outlines the gradual differentiation between speech sounds and phonemes, establishing the latter as functional units responsible for distinguishing lexical and grammatical meaning. The study further examines the multifaceted nature of the phoneme, emphasizing its simultaneous material realization in speech and its abstract, generalized status within the language system. Special attention is given to the relationship between phonemes and their allophonic variants, as well as to the role of phonological oppositions in structuring the phonemic system. Overall, the article underscores the theoretical complexity of the phoneme and its central position in phonological analysis.