What are orthographic units?

Orthographic units are defined as written symbols that represent sounds within a language. This concept relates to the way in which letters and letter combinations correspond to phonemes, the smallest units of sound in speech. In the context of reading and writing, understanding orthographic units is crucial because it helps learners make connections between spoken language and its written representation.

Recognizing orthographic units allows students to decode words while reading and to encode words when writing. This understanding supports phonics instruction, which emphasizes the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent, leading to improved literacy skills.

The other options do not accurately describe orthographic units. Some might include broader language structures or delivery methods that are not directly tied to the fundamental concept of written symbols relating to sounds. Therefore, the defining characteristic of orthographic units is their role as fundamental building blocks of written language that correspond phonetically to spoken sounds.