LITERACY AT HOME AND AT

SCHOOL
AMMAR, DINI, RAMA
 SYNTAX
a set of rules, principles, and processes that preside over the structuring of sentences in any given
language. Syntax defines the rules that need to be followed when forming a sentence from words, clauses,
punctuation, and phrases. Correct syntax involves the right choice of words, correct tense, matching
number, proper arrangement of words and phrases. Proper syntax, unlike diction, is comparatively strict.
Abiding by the rules of syntax is very important in all kinds of formal writing, and it is an indication that
the writer is knowledgeable.
 SYLLABLE
A syllable is a part of a word that contains a single vowel sound and that is pronounced as a
unit. So, for example, 'book' has one syllable, and 'reading' has two syllables. We children called
her Oma, accenting both syllables.
 PHONEME
A phoneme is a sound or a group of different sounds perceived to have the same function by
speakers of the language or dialect in question. An example is the English phoneme /k/, which
occurs in words such as cat, kit, scat, skit.
 PRAGMATICS
Pragmatic means practical or logical. If someone calls you pragmatic, they mean that you tend to think in terms of
the practical or logical rather than the ideal situation.

The term pragmatics is used in contrast to semantics. Semantics has to do with the actual definition of a word or
text. Pragmatics refers to how words are used in a practical sense. Words can mean different things, and often
the same word can mean something different depending on the context in which it is used. Words can also carry
symbolic meaning and in practice, or practical situations, we will apply our understanding of symbols as we read
or listen to others.
 MORPHOLOGY
Morphology is the branch of linguistics (and one of the major components of grammar) that studies
word structures, especially regarding morphemes, which are the smallest units of language. They
can be base words or components that form words, such as affixes. The adjective form is
morphological.
 SEMANTIC KNOWLEDGE

Semantic Knowledge is the aspect of language knowledge that involves word meanings and
vocabulary. Semantic knowledge involves the meaning found in the actual text, symbols and signs
themselves.