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Second language reading in fluent bilinguals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

Micheline Favreau
Affiliation:
Concordia University
Norman S. Segalowitz*
Affiliation:
Concordia University
*
Norman S. Segalowitz, Psychology Department, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montreal, Quebec H3G IM8

Abstract

Many bilinguals, who are fluent second language users in normal commmunicative situations, nevertheless read more slowly in that language. The present study examines whether this performance difference is specific to reading or whether its occurrence is accompanied by similar differences in the auditory modality. Fluent English and French bilinguals were required to adjust the delivery rate of spoken first and second language texts so as to maximize speed of delivery while maintaining full comprehension. The results showed that the pattern of listening rates for the second language relative to the first mirrored the pattern of reading rates. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for second language reading research.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

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