Reading Comprehension of Subject-specific Texts in a Foreign Language

Abstract

This study investigates the patterns used by economics and business students in reading comprehension (RC) of subject-specific texts in a foreign language (FL), particularly in relation to their use of background knowledge (BK). The think-aloud (TA) method was used and the data were derived from readers’ verbal protocols. The coding of protocols yielded seventeen coding categories. The results were analysed and compared between two groups: one with high and one with low knowledge as determined by a prior BK assessment. The coding data were linked to the reading comprehension test results and typical patterns were established. Readers with high BK used more correct paraphrasing, inferencing, elaboration, and evaluation. In contrast, readers with low BK took more of a local approach to reading by focusing more on individual words. They frequently used English in their Slovene think-alouds, produced wrong and approximate paraphrases, and signalled lack of understanding. The article closes by examining implications for FL reading instruction and developing disciplinary literacy.