In the context of literacy, what does decoding refer to?

Decoding in the context of literacy specifically involves reading and recognizing words through phonetic breakdown. This process requires individuals to sound out the letters and letter combinations in a word, allowing them to pronounce and ultimately understand the word being read. Decoding is essential for developing reading skills, as it bridges the gap between the written symbols (letters) and their corresponding sounds.

This understanding is critical because it lays the foundation for fluent reading. When students decode effectively, they can navigate unfamiliar words, which enhances their overall reading comprehension and confidence. Phonetic breakdown is a key technique used in multisensory structured language education, as it promotes a deeper connection between sounds and letters.

While the other options touch on different aspects of literacy, they do not specifically encapsulate the primary meaning of decoding. Translating sounds into letters relates more to encoding rather than decoding. Writing words using phonetic rules falls under spelling or encoding rather than the act of reading. Understanding the meaning of words pertains to vocabulary and comprehension, which goes beyond the decoding process itself.