Basic primitives

Hi,

I'm translating a research paper about speech production deficits, and I have come across
two words I can't seem to translate: basic primitives. To be precise: "...basic primitives in the sound structure of natural language." Although I'm Dutch, I don't necessarily expect a Dutch translation(it would be nice, though); I just hope someone is able to explain to me what the words mean.

Many thanks in advance,
Marit