Transfer of L1 Reading Ability to L2 Reading : An Elaboration of the Linguistic Threshold

Research studies into the relationship between L1 and L2 reading have generally agreed that there is a certain kind of linguistic threshold that strongly affects the transfer of L1 reading ability to L2 reading. This paper attempts to elaborate the concept of this linguistic threshold. First the general framework of the research is explained, then main findings from different studies are summarised. These findings are reexamined to show how the contribu-tion of L2 language ability to L2 reading changes. By considering both the results of this examination and the increasing transfer of L1 reading ability to L2 reading at higher levels of L2 proficiency, which has been widely accepted, a three-level model of the threshold is proposed. This model, however, still needs refinement. Areas for future research are sug-gested in order to improve the model and further our understanding of the nature of the threshold.