Which aspect of language development is impacted by the knowledge of how to decode words?

The knowledge of how to decode words is crucial for reading fluency. Decoding involves the ability to translate written symbols (letters and words) into their corresponding sounds, enabling individuals to read text accurately and quickly. When students are proficient at decoding, they can read aloud smoothly and with proper expression, which is essential for achieving reading fluency.

Reading fluency encompasses not just the speed of reading but also the ability to recognize words effortlessly, thereby allowing the reader to focus on comprehension rather than the mechanics of reading. Mastering decoding provides the foundation for this ability, enabling learners to engage with text more effectively and to develop a better understanding of the material they read.

In contrast, while writing fluency, vocabulary comprehension, and listening skills are all important aspects of language development, they are not directly impacted by the ability to decode words in the same way that reading fluency is. Writing fluency relies more on composition skills, vocabulary comprehension depends on depth of word knowledge, and listening skills hinge on auditory processing and understanding spoken language.