What are parts of words in spoken language that are smaller than syllables called?

The correct term for parts of words in spoken language that are smaller than syllables is phonemes. Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in a language that can distinguish one word from another. For example, the word "cat" has three phonemes: /k/, /æ/, and /t/.

Understanding phonemes is crucial for phonemic awareness, which is a foundational skill for developing reading abilities. Phonemes help learners break down words into their individual sounds, enabling them to blend these sounds together to form words and decode unfamiliar words when reading. In contrast, morphemes are the smallest units of meaning in a language, while onsets and rimes refer to specific parts of a syllable, and blends refer to combinations of consonants that are pronounced together.