Reading in a Second Language

This volume, through a detailed treatment of the cognitive processes that support reading, explains how reading really works. It offers a thorough overview of important and current research, including first language research, which is not often found in second language acquisition (SLA) publications. This book is a true example of applied linguistics; it makes well-defined linkages between theory and practice, discussing the implications and applications of second language reading theories on instructional practices. It is a valuable resource and reference for action researchers, curriculum designers, teachers, administrators, and those interested in exploring theoretical issues grounded in instructional contexts.

Contents: Research Foundations 1. The Nature of Reading: Defining Reading 2. How Reading Works: The basic building blocks 3. How Reading Works: The Comprehension Process 4. Models, and More Models of Reading: Explaining Reading Research Issues and the L2 Reader 5. Individual Student Variation 6. The Social Contexts of Reading 7. Motivation in Reading 8. Reading in Different Languages and L1 / L2 differences 9. Issues in Reading in a Second Language Component Abilities and Resources for L2 Reading 10. Reading and Vocabulary Development 11. Reading and Grammar 12. Discourse Structure Awareness 13. Reading Strategies 14. Becoming a Strategic Reader 15. Fluency and Reading Rate 16. Extensive Reading Institutional and Instructional Factors Influencing Reading Development 17. Reader-Writer Relations 18. Reading and Content-Based Instruction 19. Assessing Reading 20 From Theory to Practice: Designing a Curriculum GLOSSARY REFERENCES INDEX