What percentage of our language is considered phonetic for reading and spelling?

The correct answer highlights that approximately 85% of the English language's spelling is predictable based on phonetic rules. This means that a significant majority of English words can be decoded or spelled using an understanding of sound-letter correspondences. Knowing that 85% of words can typically be sounded out phonetically provides a solid foundation for teaching reading and spelling strategies. This phonetic predictability is what makes structured literacy approaches, such as Multi-Sensory Structured Language Education (MSLE), effective in helping learners gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities. The emphasis on this percentage is crucial for educators as it illustrates the importance of phonics instruction in literacy development.