Graphemes are used to represent what?

Graphemes are the smallest units of written language that correspond to the sounds (phonemes) in spoken language. Essentially, they are the written representations of sound, whether they appear as single letters (like 'b' or 'a') or combinations of letters (like 'ch' or 'sh'). This connection between graphemes and sounds is fundamental to the process of decoding written text, making it essential for developing reading skills. By understanding how graphemes represent sound units, students can improve their phonemic awareness, which is crucial for successful reading and writing.