Final answer:
Phonological awareness is closely linked to early language acquisition, crucial for reading and writing skills, and is an essential component of cognitive development. It involves the ability to recognize and manipulate language sounds, which infants develop within their first year. Difficulties in phonological awareness can lead to reading and writing challenges, as seen in dyslexia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phonological awareness is highly linked to early language acquisition and the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds within a language. As infants grow, they naturally develop the ability to discriminate between different phonemes, the distinct units of sound that constitute words, within their linguistic environment. This skill is fundamental for understanding the sound-letter correspondence that is critical in learning to read and write.
Research indicates that by approximately one year of age, children are specialized in distinguishing the phonemes of their native language(s) and lose the ability to differentiate those that are not part of their language environment. This specialization in phonological awareness plays a crucial role in language development and cognitive development, shaping the way children understand and produce language. Moreover, phonological awareness is deeply intertwined with academic abilities; impairments in this area, such as those observed in dyslexia, can significantly affect reading and writing skills.