Which analysis focuses on the formation of words through prefixes, suffixes, and meaningful units?

The analysis that focuses on the formation of words through prefixes, suffixes, and meaningful units is morphemic analysis. This approach examines the smallest units of meaning in a language, known as morphemes. By understanding how these morphemes combine to create new words or alter the meanings of existing words, readers can enhance their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

For instance, in the word "unhappiness," the prefixes "un-" and the suffix "-ness" are separate morphemes that contribute to the overall meaning of the word. Recognizing these components enables learners to decode new vocabulary more effectively, as they can break down complex words into their constituent parts.

In contrast, phonemic analysis focuses on the sounds in spoken words, letter-sound analysis deals with the connection between letters and their corresponding sounds, and syllabic analysis looks at the structure of syllables within words. While each of these analyses plays a crucial role in literacy development, morphemic analysis specifically targets the meaningful building blocks of words.