Character reading fluency, word segmentation accuracy, and reading comprehension in L2 Chinese

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between lower-level processing and general reading comprehension among adult L2 (second-language) beginning learners of Chinese, in both target and non–target language learning environments. Lower-level processing in Chinese reading includes the factors of character-naming accuracy, character-naming speed, and word segmentation accuracy. The results of this study show that all three components contribute to reading comprehension in conjunction. Among them, character-naming accuracy was identified as the strongest predictor for reading comprehension; this was followed by character-naming speed. Character reading accuracy was also identified as a major predictor for word segmentation. The findings of this study partially support the studies conducted on alphabetic languages. Based on the results, pedagogical implications are discussed and recommendations for improved teaching are formulated.