L1 and L2 Reading: The Orthographic Effects of Japanese on Reading in English

Transfer has been an important concept in research on second language (L2) learning. L2 reading research, for example, has considered aspects of learners' first language (L1) which appear to influence their L2 reading. Using psycholinguistic perspectives, this article focuses on the influence of L1 on L2 reading, specifically addressing the orthographic effects of Japanese (L1) on reading in English (L2). After providing background on the Japanese writing system and the systems of education in Japanese and English in Japan, an overview of key research on L1 orthographic effects on L2 word recognition leads into a discussion of how Japanese affects reading in English. In the conclusion, practical pedagogical questions are raised and the need for more research in this area is addressed.