Second Language Reading and Instruction

Abstract

Reading comprehension is a process in which words are interpreted and meaning is created. We read for a variety of reasons: to obtain information, to communicate, and for enjoyment. In order to comprehend or assign meaning to a text, various linguistic, conceptual, reasoning, and metacognitive abilities must work efficiently and simultaneously within the reader (Grabe, 1991; Grabe & Stoller, 2011). Views on second language reading have been greatly influenced by research on first language reading. Second language reading research strives to understand what ‘good’ first language readers do and tries to guide second language instructors, learners, and readers in that direction (Catts & Kamhi, 2005; Grabe, 1991; Grabe & Stoller, 2011). However, in order to effectively do so, it is essential to understand what reading is and its multifaceted nature, both in a reader’s first as well as second language.