Which of the following statements best captures the essence of decoding?

Decoding is fundamentally the process of translating written symbols (letters) into their corresponding sounds, which allows readers to make sense of printed words. This skill is built upon an understanding of phonemic awareness and the relationships between characters and their sounds. When readers can successfully match letters to their sounds, they can blend these sounds to form words, which is a critical component of reading fluency and comprehension.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of decoding. Memorizing text does not involve understanding the process of linking letters to sounds. Similarly, focusing on the aesthetics of written language pertains more to the visual appeal and structure of text rather than the phonetic aspect of reading. Encouraging extensive oral recitation emphasizes verbal skills and expression but does not encapsulate the skill of decoding, which is more about the technical process of reading.