Includes bibliographical references (p. 275-320).

CONTENTS

Tables and figures

Series editors' preface

Foreword

Acknowledgments

I THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS

1. Introduction Basic concepts and constructs Principal approaches General organization

2. Theoretical underpinnings Cross-language reading skills transfer Connectionist accounts of skills acquisition Competency dissection: Component skills approaches Conceptualizing L2 reading competence differences

II ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS

3. Word recognition Roles of word recognition in reading comprehension Component processes Cross-linguistic variations in word recognition Factors affecting L2 word recognition Studies on L2 word recognition Summary and future research suggestions

4. Vocabulary knowledge Vocabulary knowledge and comprehension Nature of vocabulary knowledge Conceptions of vocabulary knowledge in L2 studies Vocabulary knowledge and comprehension among L2 learners Nature of vocabulary knowledge among L2 readers Dual-language lexical organization Summary and future research suggestions

5. Intraword awareness and word-knowledge development Metalinguistic awareness in early reading development Intraword awareness and lexical competence Cross-linguistic analyses Development of IA among L2 learners Summary and future research suggestions

6. Information integration in sentence processing Linguistic complexity and comprehension difficulty Models of syntactic parsing Cross-linguistic variations in sentence processing Nonsyntactic factors constraining sentence processing Factors affecting L2 sentence processing Studies on L2 sentence processing Summary and future research suggestions

7. Discourse processing Building text representations Establishing text coherence Functions of knowledge in text comprehension Factors affecting L2 discourse processing Studies on L2 discourse comprehension Summary and future research suggestions

8. Text structure and comprehension Narrative texts Expository texts Cross-linguistic variations in text structure Cross-linguistic influences on L2 text comprehension Studies on L2 text structure and comprehension Summary and future research suggestions

III LOOKING AT THE WHOLE

9. Individual differences Traditions of individual-difference research Empirical findings from single-focus studies Trends in L2 single-focus studies Alternative approaches in individual-difference studies Component skills approach Working memory Summary and future research suggestions

10. Developing strategic reading Strategic reading Roles of metacognition in strategic reading Verbal reports and protocol analysis Strategic reading among L2 readers Summary and future research suggestions

IV THEORY INTO PRACTICE

11. Comprehension assessment Conceptualizing reading comprehension Assessment purposes Assessment models Techniques in measuring reading comprehension Roles of assessment in reading research and teaching Concerns specific to L2 reading assessment Summary and future research suggestions

12. Comprehension instruction What we know about comprehension Research interpretation and instructional applications Basic principles of comprehension instruction L2 instructional approaches Thoughts on further instructional research and practice

References

"Reading is a multi-faceted, complex construct, and its complexity increases in second language reading. This critical volume provides an in-depth analysis of the multiple dimensions of second language reading, presenting syntheses of current research on reading in both a first and a second language. On the premise that L2 reading involves two or more languages, the author provides a cross-linguistic examination of the essential components of reading and explores potential new directions for expanding current research paradigms. Insights into Second Language Reading encompasses a remarkable array of issues, ranging from visual word recognition and text structure, to theoretical issues of lexical and syntactic decoding mechanisms, and practical issues in assessment and teaching. In synthesizing current research findings, the author demonstrates how the complex phenomenon of second language reading can be systematically studied.
Its exploration of literacy acquisition, bilingual processing, and second language learning in general make Insights into Second Language Reading a useful guide for graduate students, educators, administrators, and researchers." (Book Cover)