The role of verbal working memory in second language reading fluency and comprehension: A comparison of English and Korean
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examined the respective contribution of verbal working memory, which wasoperationalized as immediate digit and sentence recall, to bilingual children’s reading fluency andcomprehension in the first language (L1) and second language (L2). Fifty children from twointernational sites took part in this study: One group was English-Korean bilinguals in the U.S., whilethe other was Korean-English bilinguals in Korea. The manifestation of the prediction model variedacross the learning contexts or learner groups. L1 forward and backward digit spans accounted forthe significant variances in L2 reading fluency and comprehension for the English-speaking children inthe U.S., whereas L1 forward digit span was more predictive of L2 reading fluency and comprehensionthan backward digit span and sentence recall for the Korean-speaking counterparts in Korea. Theresults were interpreted with respect to the orthographic depth, linguistic differences, and cognitivedemands. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Authors: Hye K. Pae, Rose A. Sevcik
Institutions: University of Cincinnati, Georgia State University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $350
OpenAlex ID: W2183839422