The Relationship of Language 1 and Language 2 Interpretive Processes

Abstract

Much of the research in L2 listening and reading cognition is based on studies conducted in L1 (Bernhardt, 1986; Brown, 1998; Fecteau, 1999; Joiner, 1986; Rubin, 1994).3 Many studies have examined the relationship between L1 and L2 comprehension. Bernhardt and Kamil (1995) found that both L1 reading skills and L2 linguistic knowledge contribute to one’s L2 reading comprehension, with L2 knowledge having a somewhat greater contribution. Moreover, they maintain that linguistic knowledge contributes more at lower proficiency levels, while L1 reading skills play a greater role in reading at higher levels.