Which term refers to the process of identifying words through visual symbols?

The term that refers to the process of identifying words through visual symbols is known as decoding. Decoding is a fundamental skill in reading where an individual translates visual symbols, such as letters and words, into their corresponding sounds and meanings. This involves understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, which enables readers to recognize and pronounce words accurately.

Decoding is essential for reading fluency and comprehension, as it allows readers to make sense of text by converting the written form into spoken language. This process requires practice and familiarity with phonetics, spelling patterns, and vocabulary, as readers systematically apply these skills to interpret written language.

Encoding, on the other hand, involves producing written language from spoken words, while comprehension relates to understanding and interpreting text, and phonemic awareness focuses on recognizing and manipulating individual sounds in spoken language. Each of these concepts is vital in the literacy process but specifically, decoding deals with the visual recognition of words.