Which term describes an increase in understanding the mechanics of language use?

The term that accurately describes an increase in understanding the mechanics of language use is metalinguistic awareness. This concept involves the ability to think about and analyze language as an abstract system. It encompasses understanding how language functions, recognizing the rules that govern language, and being aware of language structures. Children with metalinguistic awareness can reflect on their own language use and comprehend the implications of language in various contexts, which enhances their overall language skills.

Metalinguistic awareness is crucial for various aspects of language development, including reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and even the ability to learn additional languages. It signifies not just a surface-level understanding of words and sentences but a deeper cognitive engagement with language itself.

In contrast, lexical expansion refers to the increase in vocabulary, cognitive effort pertains to the mental resources used to process language, and language fluency relates to the ease and smoothness of speech. While these concepts are important in language development, they do not specifically capture the metacognitive skills associated with understanding the mechanics of language.