Akiyo Hirai

L2 Listening and Reading Fluency: a Comparative Study of Learners of English with Diverse L1 Backgrounds Akiyo Hirai

Fluency is a critical element in second language (L2) listening and reading abilities. Without the ability to comprehend aural information delivered at a natural speed or written information at a reasonably fast pace, learners may have difficulty comprehending lectures and TV programs online, or they may lose interest in reading textbooks and newspapers. Thus, this book explores factors contributing to the development of L2 listening and reading fluency by investigating the listening rate (LR) and reading rate (RR) of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) with diverse L1 backgrounds. Experimental results revealed that LRs and RRs were similar among L2 learners, indicating the close relationship between the two modalities. However, a closer look at the rates among L2 learners with different L1 backgrounds, a strong L1 influence was observed. In addition, environmental factors contributing to listening and reading fluency were identified, which provide important pedagogical implications for English acquisition.