What is the term for identifying whether sounds are the same or different?

The term for identifying whether sounds are the same or different is auditory discrimination. This skill involves the ability to perceive and differentiate between sounds, which is crucial for language development and reading acquisition. In the context of literacy, strong auditory discrimination allows individuals to recognize variations in sounds, which aids in understanding spoken language and developing phonemic awareness. This skill helps learners distinguish between similar-sounding words, which contributes to their reading and spelling abilities.

Other options provided focus on different aspects of phonological processing and literacy. Syllable refers to a unit of sound in language, segmentation is about breaking down words into their component sounds, and phonological awareness encompasses a broader range of abilities related to sound structures in language, including but not limited to auditory discrimination.