Second Language Writing System Word Recognition (with a focus on Lao)
Christine Elliott · DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) · 2012
Learning a second language (L2) with a script different from the learner’s first language (L1) presents unique challenges for both student and teacher. This paper looks at current theory and research examining issues of second language writing system (L2WS) acquisition, particularly issues pertaining to decoding and word recognition1 by adult learners. I argue that the importance of word recognition and decoding in fluent L1 and L2 reading has been overshadowed for several decades by a focus on research looking at top-down reading processes. Although top-down reading processes and strategies are clearly components of successful L2 reading, I argue that more attention needs to be given to bottom-up processing skills, particularly for beginning learners of an L2 that uses a script that is different from their L1. I use the example of learning Lao as a second language writing system where possible and suggest preliminary pedagogical implications.