The Predictive Effects of L1 and L2 Early Literacy Indicators on Reading in French Immersion

This study explored the predictive effects of within- and cross-language early literacy indicators with regard to second language (L2) reading achievement in a Grade 3 entry-point French immersion (FI) program. Kindergarten students (N = 83) in a regular English program were administered English early literacy measures. Three years later, once students entered the FI, 56 students from the original cohort were reassessed using French literacy measures. This allowed for an examination of the long-term connections between first language (L1) early literacy indicators and L2 reading outcomes. Regression analysis revealed that L1 early literacy skills relating to aspects of phonological awareness and, more importantly, alphabetic knowledge were significant predictors of L2 reading even when school-based L2 learning was delayed several years. With respect to the French literacy indicators, knowledge of the alphabet and related measures were again significant predictors of L2 reading performance. The predictive effects of French indicators were significant even in the first few months of FI. These results provide additional information about the predictive effects of within- and cross-language early literacy indicators and the extent to which they can be used to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties in their L2.