Which term is defined as the conventional spelling system of a language?

• A. Morphology
• B. Phonemic Awareness
• C. Orthography
• D. Onset and Rime

Answer: (C)

The term that refers to the conventional spelling system of a language is orthography. Orthography encompasses the rules and conventions for writing a language, including its spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. It is essential for standardizing the way words are represented in written form, thus facilitating effective communication and comprehension among readers and writers.

In contrast, morphology refers to the structure and form of words, including the study of prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Phonemic awareness involves the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words, which is crucial for developing reading skills but does not address spelling. Onset and rime pertain to the parts of a syllable, with onset being the initial consonant sound and rime being the vowel and any following consonants, but this concept is more specific to phonological awareness rather than spelling itself.