A comparison of the impact of the home literacy environment on the L1 reading frequencies of students from two different thai universities: implications for the learning of an L2.
Issued Date
2007
Resource Type
Language
eng
Rights
Mahidol University
Suggested Citation
Ferriman, Nicholas (2007). A comparison of the impact of the home literacy environment on the L1 reading frequencies of students from two different thai universities: implications for the learning of an L2.. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/35043
Title
A comparison of the impact of the home literacy environment on the L1 reading frequencies of students from two different thai universities: implications for the learning of an L2.
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Reading is a critical skill for accessing and analyzing the vast quantities of information available via the Internet or in print. Those who are unable or unwilling to read extensively in their free time will not be able to participate effectively in the new knowledge economy, or take advantage of the new opportunities on offer. Thus,reluctant readership has implications for personal as well as national development, and may condemn individuals and societies to live on the fringes of the global economy, with all the negative potential this has for self-determination and basic human rights.An unwillingness to read extensively in one’s own first language (L1) also has repercussions for the acquisition of a second language (L2) such as English. Those with poor reading habits and attitudes in their L1 are unlikely to read extensively in an L2. Reading is widely recognized as a key facilitator in promoting vocabulary development, and for improving grammatical range and accuracy. Therefore, those who do not read in an L2 will reduce their rate of L2 development. A lack of fluency in an L2 such as English will also have major economic implications for individuals and societies in the global economy.This paper will investigate the phenomenon of reluctant readership in the Thai context by reporting on the findings of two studies which investigated the rates of extensive reading in L1 of two different student populations. Results indicate that Thai university students may have daily reading rates half that of high school students in some parts of the developed world, and that to some extent this may be due to
students’ home background. Though the size effects were small, parental reading to children, book ownership in the home, and past reading rates of parents, were all found to have significant associations with students’ present day reading frequencies and attitudes in L1. Implications for reading strategies in the L2 classroom will be discussed, as will the role of schools in promoting literacy.
Description
The 3rd International Malaysia-Thailand Conference on Southeast Asian Studies; November 29 - December 1, 2007. Nakhon Pathom; International College Mahidol University.