Which term describes the relationship between sounds and their written representations?

The term that describes the relationship between sounds and their written representations is orthography. This concept specifically refers to the correct spelling and writing system of a language, which includes how phonemes (the smallest units of sound) correspond to graphemes (the letters or groups of letters that represent those sounds). Understanding orthography is crucial for literacy development because it helps learners link the sounds they hear in spoken language to the symbols they see in written form.

Phonology, while related, focuses on the abstract sound systems and the rules that govern the sounds in a particular language rather than their written representation. Grammar encompasses the rules and structures that govern sentence formation and word usage in a language, while syntax is specifically concerned with the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.