What does 'decoding' refer to in the context of reading?

Decoding refers to the ability to translate written words into speech, making it a fundamental skill in the reading process. This involves recognizing letters and their corresponding sounds, allowing readers to articulate words accurately. Decoding is essential for understanding how written language functions, as it bridges the gap between visual symbols (letters and words) and their auditory representations (sounds). Mastery of decoding is critical for developing fluent reading skills, as it enables learners to read new and unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their phonetic components.

Other options focus on different aspects of reading. Summarizing text is more about comprehension and synthesizing information rather than the initial ability to read words. Analyzing characters pertains to interpreting and critiquing literary elements, which comes after decoding is established. Predicting outcomes involves making inferences and assumptions about narrative directions, a skill that relies on prior comprehension and does not relate to the fundamental process of reading words aloud.