The ability to distinguish between sounds that convey meaning and those that do not is known as...

The ability to distinguish between sounds that convey meaning and those that do not is referred to as categorical perception. This concept describes how humans perceive sounds not as continuous variations but as belonging to distinct categories. For example, when we listen to speech, we are able to identify phonemes (the smallest units of sound that can change meaning) even when they are produced in different ways, such as with different accents or speeds. This skill enables us to recognize spoken words despite variations in pronunciation and to discern meaningful sounds from non-meaningful ones.

Phonology pertains to the system of sounds in a particular language and focuses on the rules governing how sounds interact and are organized. Semantics deals specifically with meaning, focusing on how phrases and sentences impart meaning through their structure and arrangement of words. Pragmatics concerns the context in which language is used and how it affects meaning, including the social aspects of communication. While all these areas contribute to our understanding of language, they do not encompass the specific ability to categorize and differentiate sounds based on their meaning, which is the essence of categorical perception.