What does decoding refer to in reading literacy?

Decoding in reading literacy primarily involves the ability to convert written text into spoken language. This entails not just recognizing words, but also linking the letters and letter combinations with their corresponding sounds, a skill vital for fluent reading. Through decoding, readers can pronounce words and understand their structure, which ultimately supports comprehension. Mastering decoding allows students to navigate unfamiliar texts, laying the foundation for more complex reading skills, including the capacity to understand vocabulary and interpret meanings within the text. This process is essential before readers can fully grasp deeper meanings and analyze figurative language, as comprehension relies upon the ability to first successfully decode words and phrases.