Which term describes the practice of breaking down words into their components, such as base words and affixes?

Structural analysis is the practice of breaking down words into their components, including base words, prefixes, and suffixes (affixes). This method allows learners to understand how different parts of a word contribute to its overall meaning. By recognizing these components, students can decode unfamiliar words, expand their vocabulary, and improve their reading comprehension skills. This understanding is particularly important for struggling readers and language learners, as it helps them identify patterns in language and make connections between words.

Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words, which is crucial for developing reading and spelling skills but does not involve breaking down words into their morphemes. Semantic mapping involves visually organizing the meanings of words and concepts rather than analyzing their structure, while contextual analysis focuses on understanding words based on the surrounding text and context rather than their individual components. These practices complement each other but serve distinct purposes in language learning.