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Writing Systems, Reading Processes, and Cross-Linguistic Influences: Reflections from the Chinese, Japanese and Korean LanguagesEdited by Hye K. Pae
[Bilingual Processing and Acquisition 7] 2018
► pp. 121–136
Languages differ in the semantic structures underlying their linguistic forms. Thus, the learning of a new language entails the development of a semantic system that is specific to the target language. This chapter reviews recent studies that examined three topics related to semantic processing and development among learners of Chinese as a second language (CSL). They are the factors that may affect the initial understanding of the meanings of unknown words, the acquisition of multiple meanings of polysemous words, and learning of new meanings and new semantic distinctions. The chapter concludes with some discussion of pedagogical implications of this line of research.