Foundations of Reading: Language Structure and Development

Phonology

The study of how sounds are used and organized in language.

Morphology

The study of morphemes- the smallest units of sound that contain meaning (e.g. affixes, roots).

Syntax

The organization of words into sentences.

Semantics

The study of the meaning of words, including denotation, connotation, and etymology.

Pragmatics

The study of the use of language in various practical contexts.

Denotation

The literal definition of a word

Connotation

The implied meaning(s) of a word

Etymology

A word’s origins

Standard American English

The form of English taught in schools and used in academic and professional settings.

Dialect

A distinct form of a language that includes its own vocabulary and grammatical patterns.

Idiolect

A person’s own individual speech patterns, including vocabulary, grammatical structures, style, and pronunciation.

Phonological awareness

This and phonics skills are crucial components of early literacy.

Morpheme knowledge

This knowledge helps students to decode words. (roots, affixes)

syntax knowledge

Leads to effective written and oral expression.

Denotation

The literal definition of a word

Connotation

The implied meaning(s) of a word

Etymology

A word’s origins

dialect

usually occur in specific geographical regions or social/cultural groups.

language acquisition

lifelong process that begins at birth of learning a language through exposure and interaction.

stages of language acquisition

infant/toddler stage (birth - 2); preschool stage (ages 3-5); school age (ages 6-12)

reading aloud to kids

#1 thing parents can do to promote early literacy