Phonics refers to the relationship between letters and what?

Phonics specifically involves the relationship between letters and speech sounds, which is fundamental in teaching reading and writing, particularly for those learning a new language. By understanding phonics, learners can decode words by associating the sounds that letters and combinations of letters make, which is essential for fluency in reading. This approach allows students to systematically break down words into manageable parts, ultimately improving their ability to read unfamiliar words independently.

Other options, while related to language learning, do not focus on this direct relationship. Meanings of words are tied to vocabulary development, social interactions pertain more to communicative competence, and sentence structure relates to grammar. These aspects are important for language acquisition, but they do not capture the specific focus that phonics has on sound-letter correspondences.