Higher–Level and Lower–Level Text Processing Skills in Advanced ESL Reading Comprehension

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This study investigated the role of higher–level syntactic and semantic processes and lower–level word recognition and graphophonic processes in adult English as a second language (ESL) reading comprehension. In particular, the study examined the extent to which these processes can discriminate skilled from less–skilled readers in a sample of fairly advanced ESL readers. Measures of reading comprehension, syntactic, semantic, word recognition, phonological, and orthographic processing skills were used. One–way discriminant function analysis revealed that lower–level component processes, such as word recognition and graphophonic processes, in addition to higher–level syntactic and semantic processes, contributed significantly to the distinction between skilled and less–skilled ESL readers. These findings suggest that efficient lower–level word recognition processes are integral components of second language reading comprehension and that the role of these processes must not be neglected even in highly advanced ESL readers.