2ND-LANGUAGE READING RESEARCH - PROBLEMS AND POSSIBILITIES

A major purpose of this article is to examine first language (L1) read ing theories from second language (L2) perspectives and, in so doing, to uncover significant research voids related to L2 problems. The arti cle first considers the unique aspects of L2 reading in order to ident ify dimensions in which its theory must differ from accepted L1 constr ucts. It then discusses three fundamental distinctions that separate L 1 and L2 reading: (a) the consequences of prior reading experience; (b ) the effects of cross-linguistic processing; and (c) the compensatory devices stemming from the efforts of learners with limited linguistic knowledge to solve comprehension problems. Finally, several pedagogic ally oriented research themes which may be helpful in evaluating the i nstructional utility of current L2 reading theories are delineated.