Part of
Understanding Language and Cognition through Bilingualism: In honor of Ellen BialystokEdited by Gigi Luk, John A.E. Anderson and John G. Grundy
[Studies in Bilingualism 64] 2023
► pp. 68–85
Edited by Gigi Luk, John A.E. Anderson and John G. Grundy
[Studies in Bilingualism 64] 2023
► pp. 68–85
Chapter 4Biliteracy
Biliteracy refers to the ability to be able to read and write in multiple languages. In different parts of the world, biliteracy and bilingualism may co-occur in some communities, but disconnect in others. This chapter explores some of the linguistic aspects associated with bilingualism and biliteracy focusing on component skills necessary to read in different writing systems. In addition, we examine cross-linguistic influences in component literacy skills across first (L1) and second (L2) languages. The need to understand the converging and diverging processes to reading in L1 and L2 has potential to inform instructional practices. Importantly, research on biliteracy is the first-step in understanding reading difficulty in children who are bilingual and/or biliterate, a question that has practical importance for educators around the world.
Article outline
- Introduction
- Challenges in reading in L2 as compared to L1
- Different writing systems
- Metalinguistic awareness and reading
- Bilingualism and biliteracy
- Influence of L1 literacy training on L2 reading and writing
- Transfer
- Reading difficulties in one orthography but not another
- Conclusion
-
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