Which area of literacy focuses on understanding written language?

The area of literacy that specifically focuses on understanding written language is comprehension. Comprehension involves the ability to interpret, analyze, and derive meaning from text. It encompasses skills such as making inferences, summarizing information, identifying main ideas, and connecting concepts within the text. Effective comprehension requires readers to integrate their prior knowledge with the information presented in the written material, ultimately allowing for a deeper understanding of the content.

In contrast, the other areas listed serve different purposes related to literacy. Phonological awareness pertains to the recognition and manipulation of sounds in spoken language, which is foundational for developing reading skills but does not directly involve understanding written text. Orthographic mapping refers to the process of connecting sounds (phonemes) to letters (graphemes) for the purpose of decoding words, which is crucial for reading but does not encompass overall comprehension of text. Fluency relates to the speed and accuracy of reading, indicating how effortlessly a reader can decode text, but it is distinct from comprehending the meaning behind the words. Therefore, comprehension is the only area that directly targets understanding written language.