Metaphonology

In epistemology, the prefix meta- before a category (e.g., meta- before phonology) means “about” (or “with,” “across,” “after,” “above,” or “beyond”) the rest of the word. Meta- also implies “the self.” So, metacognition is the act of using cognitive skills to consider and speak about mental processes (cognition about cognition); metalanguage involves using language to reflect on and discuss language (language about language); and metaphonology refers to individuals applying phonological knowledge, phonological awareness (PA), and phonological skills to reflect on, talk about, and explain phonology, thereby revealing their understanding. This entry provides an overview of metaphonology.