Which term describes the ability to isolate sounds in words?

The ability to isolate sounds in words is referred to as segmentation. Segmentation involves breaking down words into their individual phonemes or sounds. This skill is fundamental in developing phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading and spelling. When students can segment sounds, they can identify where one sound ends and another begins, allowing them to decode words more effectively.

In the context of early literacy, mastering segmentation helps learners understand that spoken language can be broken down, supporting their transition to reading and writing. For example, if a child is asked to segment the word "cat," they would identify it as having three sounds: /k/, /æ/, and /t/. This understanding is pivotal in building their reading skills.

While phonemic awareness is a broader term that encompasses segmentation along with other skills, the question specifically pertains to the act of isolating sounds, which is directly defined by segmentation. Auditory discrimination relates to recognizing differences in sounds but does not specifically involve the isolation process. Alliteration, on the other hand, involves the repetition of the same initial sounds in a series of words and does not focus on isolating individual sounds within a word.