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Introduction  //** //__Created By Jess Tribe__//

 By far one of the most important developments among children is the use and understanding of speech. Language, homes and communities are the foundations of literacy. While it is important for children to understand speech it is also imperative that they can write and read it as well in order to function in society. ‘Language – whether is be English, Chinese, French or Spanish – is any system of symbols that is used to communicate meaning’ (Hill 2006, p.21). Language can have several different meanings. In this case we will be talking about oral language which is communicating through speaking and listening, and literacy which refers to reading and writing, communicated through print and multimedia.  Language can be broken down into five key definitions - phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics and vocabulary.

   **Phonology**: refers to the way sounds of language operate. **Syntax**: refers to the rules for how words work in phrases, clauses and sentences **Semantics**: refers to the ways that language conveys meaning. **Pragmatics**: refers to the ways the members of a speech community achieve their goals using language. **Vocabulary**: refers to stored information about the meanings and pronunciation of words. Based on Snow, Burns & Griffin 1998 p.46 From birth onwards infants and toddlers experiment with sounds (phonemes), word and word order (syntax) and meaning (semantics). By the time a child is 3 to 4 years old they have a large vocabulary of words. Have a look at the links below to find out more about children's literacy.

**//Teaching Writing//** **//Teaching Reading//** **//Great Debates//** **//References//**         