Which term describes the process of associating sounds to letters?

The term that best describes the process of associating sounds to letters is phonics. Phonics is a method used to teach reading that emphasizes the relationship between letters or letter combinations and the sounds they represent. This foundational skill allows learners to decode words while reading, enabling them to understand how to pronounce unfamiliar words by blending the associated sounds. Phonics plays a crucial role in early literacy development and is one of the key components in teaching children how to read effectively.

Word analysis, in contrast, encompasses multiple techniques, including breaking down the structure of words (such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words) and understanding word meanings, rather than focusing exclusively on the sound-letter relationship. Vocabulary development is centered on expanding a person's word knowledge and understanding how to use them in context, while reading comprehension involves understanding and interpreting the meaning of the text read. Thus, while these concepts are all essential to literacy, phonics specifically addresses the connection between sounds and graphemes.