Syllabic stage of english speaking preschoolers

Abstract

This study explored the kind of hypotheses English speaking children between three and six years of age constructed and how these hypotheses compared to those found in children who speak other languages, especially the Spanish speaking subjects of Ferreiro and Teberosky. These hypotheses were studied in order to ascertain how they advance knowledge of the workings of written language. Findings consider children's use of the syllabic and alphabetic principles and give credence to the fact that the appearance of the syllabic hypothesis may be universal, just as Ferreiro and Teberosky assert. Findings also suggest that English speaking children actively and creatively approach the written language system just as children do in other parts of the literate world.