What term describes the process of converting printed words into their spoken forms using letter-sound knowledge?

The term that accurately describes the process of converting printed words into their spoken forms using letter-sound knowledge is decoding. Decoding involves translating the visual information of letters and words into sounds, which is a crucial skill in reading. Through this process, readers apply their understanding of phonics, which is the relationship between letters and sounds, enabling them to sound out and articulate words they encounter in print.

This skill is fundamental for developing reading fluency, as it allows learners to pronounce words independently, paving the way for comprehension. While phonics relates to the instruction and understanding of these letter-sound relationships, decoding specifically refers to the practical application of that knowledge in reading. Understanding orthography, which involves the correct spelling of words and how writing systems represent sounds, and morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language, do not directly relate to the act of translating written words into spoken language.