What is the term for the act of breaking words into syllables?

The act of breaking words into syllables is known as syllabication. This process involves identifying and separating the distinct syllable units within a word, which is essential for developing reading and spelling skills. Understanding syllabication allows students to recognize the structure of words, making it easier for them to decode unfamiliar words.

Syllabication is particularly important in early literacy development, as it helps learners understand how words are built and how sounds are organized within them. This skill not only aids in reading fluency but also builds a foundation for more advanced phonological awareness skills. While the other options may relate to language and literacy, they do not precisely define the process of breaking words into syllables. For example, segmentation refers to dividing words into phonemes (individual sounds) rather than syllables, while phonemic awareness focuses specifically on the sounds of spoken language, and word formation involves the creation of new words rather than breaking them down.