What term describes the rhythmic flow of oral reading and the quality of language such as intonation and stress?

The term that best describes the rhythmic flow of oral reading and the quality of language such as intonation and stress is prosody. Prosody encompasses the nuances of speech that convey meaning beyond just the words spoken, including the rhythm, pitch, and tempo of the voice. These elements play a crucial role in helping listeners understand the emotional tone and underlying meaning of what is being read or spoken.

Fluency, while related, is more focused on the overall ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper phrasing, rather than the specific qualities of intonation and stress. Phonemic awareness pertains to the recognition and manipulation of sounds in spoken words, which is a foundational skill in reading but does not concern itself with expressive qualities of reading. Articulation relates to the clarity and precision of pronunciation, emphasizing how sounds are formed, rather than the rhythmic and expressive aspects of spoken language.