How morphology impacts reading and spelling: Advancing the role of morphology in models of literacy development

A defining feature of language lies in its capacity to represent meaning across oral and written forms. Morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language, are the fundamental building blocks that encode meaning, and morphological skills enable their effective use in oral and written language. Increasing evidence indicates that morphological skills are linked to literacy outcomes, including word reading, spelling and reading comprehension. Despite this evidence, the precise ways in which morphology influences the development of children's literacy skills remain largely underspecified in theoretical models of reading and spelling development. In this paper, we draw on the extensive empirical evidence base in English to explicitly detail how morphology might be integrated into models of reading and spelling development. In doing so, we build on the perspective that morphology is multidimensional in its support of literacy development. The culmination of our efforts is theMorphological Pathways Framework- an adapted framework that illuminates precise mechanisms by which morphology impacts word reading, spelling and reading comprehension. Through this framework, we bring greater clarity and specificity on how the use of morphemes in oral and written language supports the development of children's literacy skills. We also highlight gaps in the literature, revealing important areas to focus future research to improve theoretical understanding. Furthermore, this paper provides valuable theoretical insight that will guide future empirical inquiries in identifying more precise morphological targets for intervention, which may have widespread implications for informing literacy practices in the classroom and educational policies more broadly. Highlights What is already known about this topic There is longstanding evidence of robust associations between morphology (e.g., morphological awareness) and literacy skills such as word reading, spelling, and reading comprehension in English-speaking children. Morphology is underrepresented in models of reading and spelling development; empirical research on this topic has largely outpaced detail on the placement of morphology in theory. What this paper adds In this review, we use recent empirical evidence to specify the multiple roles of morphology in literacy development. We present the Morphological Pathways Framework, which identifies explicit mechanisms between morphology and literacy skills and guides its inclusion in theory. Implications for theory, policy or practicev This paper advances the placement of morphology in models of literacy development. Identifying explicit mechanisms between morphology and literacy will help guide more precise empirical research and targeted instruction in the classroom.

Automated summary

The ability of language to represent meaning in both oral and written forms is a defining feature of language. Morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning in a language, play a fundamental role in encoding meaning and are essential for effective use of language skills. Increasing evidence suggests that morphological skills are closely linked to literacy outcomes, such as word reading, spelling, and reading comprehension. Despite this, the exact ways in which morphology influences children's literacy skills are not fully specified in current theoretical models of reading and spelling development. This paper aims to address this gap by detailing how morphology can be integrated into models of reading and spelling development, providing a multidimensional perspective on the role of morphology in literacy development. The framework presented in this paper, the Morphological Pathways Framework, illuminates the precise mechanisms through which morphology impacts word reading, spelling, and reading comprehension, offering valuable insights for future research and potential implications for literacy practices in educational settings.