What is a grapheme?

A grapheme represents the smallest unit of written language that corresponds to a phoneme in spoken language, effectively allowing us to visualize sounds in a form that can be read or written. In this context, a grapheme can be a single letter (like 'a' or 'b'), a group of letters representing a single sound (such as 'ch' or 'sh'), or even symbols used in certain writing systems. This concept is fundamental in understanding the relationship between reading and phonics, as graphemes directly relate to how we decode and encode words in literacy.

Recognizing graphemes is essential for developing reading skills, as they help learners make connections between sounds and their written representations. As such, the correct answer pertains specifically to the units of the alphabet, bolstering literacy development practices. The distinctions with other options like sounds, words, and syllables focus on different aspects of language; while they play significant roles in language development, they do not accurately define what a grapheme is.