Arab World English Journal
Volume. 1 Number. 1 Oct. 2010 PP.3-23
Arab Learners of English and Reverse Visualization as a Reading Problem
Professor Z. N. PATIL
The English and Foreign Languages University
Hyderabad, India
Abstract
Reading is a gateway to language learning as it is the only/major source of input in a foreign/second language situation. Several factors influence reading speed and comprehension, for example, learner‟s language aptitude, attitude to the target language, and motivation. Much research has already been done in these areas.
The areas that have remained the Cinderella of research into reading skills are the impacts of (1) the phonological differences between English and Arabic, (2) the letter-sound disparity of the English language, (3) the phonological similarities between some English words and Arabic obscene and vulgar words and (4) the reverse directionality of the English writing system, as compared to right-to-left writing system of the Arabic language on reading pace and message reception. The present paper attempts to illustrate how speed and comprehension are adversely affected by reverse visualization, and offers suggestions to overcome the hurdles.
Keywords: reading speed, comprehension, sub-vocalization, fixation, regression, reverse visualization.