Reading acquisition in Arabic presents unique challenges, notably due to its complex morphological structure and the diglossic nature of the language. The discrepancy between written (Modern Standard) and spoken Arabic poses significant barriers for learners, particularly in decoding morphologically complex words. This study explored the role of…

It is often observed that many learners prefer reading texts with background music (BGM), which may enhance engagement and mood in reading. However, the impact of BGM on reading comprehension performance or process remains heterogeneous. This study examined how learners' self-provided preferred BGM affected reading comprehension accuracy and…

Despite the proliferation of help options for computer-based second language (L2) listening comprehension, little attention has been given to a comprehensive understanding of the pedagogical effects. To gain a thorough understanding of the overall and moderator effects, drawing on the activity theory (AT), this study conducted a meta-analysis of…

Numerous meta-analysis studies have been undertaken on the topic of culturally embedded learning. Insufficient study has been undertaken on culturally integrated learning as a means to enhance reading abilities. The objective of this study is to assess and evaluate the impact of learning enriched by local culture on reading proficiency. This…

In this study, we examined the differences in reading comprehension processes between students with and without reading difficulties. A total of 72 third- and fourth-grade students in South Korea participated in the study; of these, 28 were identified as having reading difficulties and 44 were not. Multiple types of tasks were administered to…

In this study, we examined to what extent orthographic skills, phonological processing, oral vocabulary, and word memory accounted for variance in reading comprehension among upper-elementary school children with and without dyslexia. The tasks came from the Tests of Dyslexia (TOD). Data from 753 participants (typically developing n = 575;…

This study tested whether encouraging prediction enhances prediction in second language (L2) speakers. L2 English speakers listened to English sentences like "The woman … will read/buy one of the newspapers" while viewing the target (a newspaper) and distractor objects (a rose, a bowl, and a mango) on a screen and clicked on the target…

Critical thinking (CT) is essential for survival in the modern knowledge-driven world, and the Thinker's Guide is considered an effective technique to enhance such potential. The investigation of CT potential to enhance the reading comprehension of EFL learners has not received adequate attention in the literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to…

Background: Oral comprehension difficulties are prevalent amongst preschool children with language needs and are related to academic, social and emotional outcomes. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) frequently deliver comprehension intervention to preschool children, but the influences on their clinical decisions are unknown. Understanding…

Purpose: This study investigates the acquisition of aspect markers by Mandarin-speaking children with developmental language disorder (DLD) in comparison to typically developing aged-matched (TDA) children and typically developing younger (TDY) children through the aspect hypothesis (AH). Method: A sentence-picture matching task and a priming…

Most research on internet reading has identified skilled readers based on well-established theories of print reading. Nevertheless, an emerging body of work suggests that higher competency in print reading does not fully account for competency in internet reading comprehension. The authors conducted a descriptive video analysis of high school…

Quantifier spreading (Q-spreading), children's incorrect falsification of a universally-quantified sentence based on an 'extra-object' picture, may persist beyond childhood, and children adhere to Q-spreading without changing responses throughout testing. We examined the error patterns across wider age groups (aged 4-79) with a picture-sentence…

This study assessed the relationship between preschoolers' directly and indirectly assessed emotion word comprehension. Forty-nine two-to-five-year-old Norwegian children were assessed in a tablet-based 4-alternative forced choice (AFC) task on their comprehension of six basic and six complex emotions using facial expression photographs. Parents…

This study examined the unified model of phonological transfer in English reading comprehension and the mediating effects of bilingual decoding skills. Grade 4 Chinese Mandarin learners of English (N = 256) completed a series of tests including tone and stress sensitivity, Chinese and English segmental phonological awareness, Chinese and English…

It is common for learners to listen to background music during learning activities. However, existing research has produced inconclusive results on the effects of background music on learning due to different circumstances and contexts. There is a lack of detailed understanding regarding the effects of various background music properties on…