Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Alexandra Gottardo
Advisor Role
Thesis Supervisor
Abstract
The French (L1) and English (L2) reading development of bilingual children in French schools was examined using measures of oral language proficiency, letter-name and letter-sound knowledge, phonological processing (phonological awareness, naming speed and working memory), and word decoding over an eight month period. At Time 1 (Senior Kindergarten), a series of multiple regressions indicated that, when controlling for oral language proficiency, letter name knowledge and non-verbal reasoning, L1 phonological awareness was the only consistent and unique predictor of French and English word reading and word decoding performance. At Time 2 (Grade 1), French and English phonological awareness were consistent and unique predictors of French and English word reading and word decoding performance. French and English naming speed were also unique predictors or French word reading performance. Finally, the early predictors of French and English word reading and word decoding performance in Grade 1 were French letter-name knowledge and English phonological awareness, respectively. The results of the present study are discussed in terms of the cognitive mechanisms involved in the bilingual reading acquisition process and their practical implications for educators.
Recommended Citation
Lafrance, Catherine Adèle, "French and English word reading and word decoding performance in bilingual children: How are phonological processing skills related?" (2003). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 742.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/742
Convocation Year
2003
Convocation Season
Fall