In:Understanding Language and Cognition through Bilingualism: In honor of Ellen Bialystok
Edited by Gigi Luk, John A.E. Anderson and John G. Grundy
[Studies in Bilingualism 64] 2023
► pp. 68–85
Chapter 4Biliteracy
Published online: 6 June 2023
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.64.04mcb
https://doi.org/10.1075/sibil.64.04mcb
Abstract
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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