Why do children use word segmentation?

Children use word segmentation primarily because it helps them recognize individual words within continuous speech. When listening to spoken language, words often flow together without clear breaks, making it challenging for young learners to identify where one word ends and another begins. Mastering word segmentation is essential for developing their ability to understand and process spoken language effectively.

By identifying distinct words, children can begin to comprehend the structure of language, which is foundational for further language development, including vocabulary acquisition and sentence formation. This segmentation skill is a critical stepping stone that allows them to not only recognize familiar words but also begin to decode new words as they encounter them in speech. It sets the groundwork for more complex language skills that will be built upon as they grow.