The English language system is based on "phonemes" or sounds. This means that each letter symbol is linked to a sound or phoneme. Phonemes cannot easily be heard because when we speak the sounds in English, each syllable of a word is combined into one sound. For example, when speaking the word ‘dog’, the ear hears one sound, not three as in ‘d’, ‘o’, ‘g’.Hence it is essential that children are able to recognize ‘phonemes’ or sounds if they are to read successfully.