What is defined as the smallest part of a written language that represents a phoneme in the spelling of a word?

Prepare for the Hawaii Substitute Teacher Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready to succeed!

The smallest part of a written language that represents a phoneme in the spelling of a word is referred to as a grapheme. Graphemes are the letters and letter combinations that represent the sounds of spoken language in written form. For example, in the word "cat," the letters 'c,' 'a,' and 't' are individual graphemes that correspond to specific phonemes: /k/, /æ/, and /t/. Understanding graphemes is essential for literacy development, as they form the foundation of spelling and reading.

Phonemes represent the individual sounds in spoken language, but they do not equate to written forms. Spelling refers to the arrangement of letters to form words, while a lexeme is a unit of meaning or a form of a word used in language. Hence, the definition in the question aligns precisely with the concept of a grapheme, making it the correct answer.

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