Which type of oral language difficulty can affect reading acquisition?

Limited early language exposure is a crucial factor that can significantly impact reading acquisition. When children do not have ample opportunities to hear and engage with spoken language during their formative years, they may struggle with vocabulary development, comprehension, and fluency as they begin to read. Early language exposure supports the understanding of sentence structure, grammar, and the nuances of language, all of which play a vital role in the reading process.

In contrast, high vocabulary skills, strong phonological awareness, and excellent narrative skills are typically associated with positive reading outcomes. High vocabulary skills enhance comprehension and help students make connections between words and their meanings. Strong phonological awareness allows learners to recognize and manipulate sounds in words, a foundational skill for decoding. Excellent narrative skills contribute to understanding story structure and developing comprehension strategies. In essence, while the other options represent strengths that can aid in reading development, limited early language exposure directly correlates with challenges in acquiring reading skills.