Which aspect of literacy does phonemic awareness primarily target?

Phonemic awareness primarily targets sound recognition in words. This fundamental aspect of literacy involves the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Developing phonemic awareness is essential for young learners as it lays the groundwork for reading and writing skills. When children can recognize and work with the sounds that make up words, they are better equipped to make connections between spoken language and the written form, which is crucial for decoding words while reading. This foundational skill is particularly vital before the introduction of formal reading instruction, as it directly influences a child's ability to develop strong spelling and decoding abilities later on.