Grammatical and vocabulary knowledge (i.e., breadth and depth) are widely acknowledged as key predictors of reading comprehension in a second language (L2). However, it remains unclear how different aspects of vocabulary depth may independently contribute to L2 reading comprehension and how learners' proficiency may moderate the relative…

The present ex post facto correlational research is aimed at exploring the relationship between grammar and vocabulary knowledge components in L2 reading comprehension. The study focuses on two cohorts of EFL students with different proficiency levels: more proficient (\MP) and less proficient (LP). Two dimensions of grammar knowledge are…

The current replication study aims to examine the effects of learners' attention to lexical and grammatical forms on meaning comprehension while listening to a passage in Spanish. The registered protocol and materials in the aural mode from Morgan-Short et al.'s (2018) multisite replication study were used, with first language (L1) Chinese-second…

The simple view of reading (SVR) model proposes that reading comprehension is the product of word decoding and language comprehension, and that both components make independent contributions to reading skill (Gough & Tunmer, 1986). The model posits that there are good readers and three types of poor readers--dyslexic, hyperlexic, and garden…

Educators have generally believed that foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten or earlier to promote optimum oral language development (e.g., Abbott, 1998; Curtain & Dahlberg, 2010; Rhodes & Pufahl, 2010; Rosenbusch, 1991; Swender & Duncan, 1998). This article describes two Spanish programs in the Westport…

For spot-dictation purposes, song lyrics can be duplicated with blanks for the words or structures that are desirable to emphasize. Lyrics quite often have repetitious structures and vocabulary, and lend themselves to reinforcing new forms or concepts. This procedure can encourage general listening comprehension while highlighting one particular…

Research supported in part with funds from the U.S. Office of Education. (DS)

To explore the potential learner benefits of early exposure to literature and suggest instructional guidelines for effective literature study at the beginning level, this article examines the nature of literature and surveys how current textbooks guide beginning learners to access literary works. (Author/JL)

Discusses the importance of the study and practice of inference to help students develop independent reading ability. Presents classroom techniques which assist them in discerning inferences of location through transportation, landmarks, elements, actions, smells, and shapes. (Author/MES)

Investigated how intermediate students of French interacted with a computerized second language reading gloss from three perspectives: (1) the relationship between the group's choice of program options and their comprehension; (2) individual user styles; and (3) student perceptions of program effectiveness. (31 references) (Author/CK)