ENGLISH L2 READING: GETTING TO THE BOTTOM. Barbara M. Birch. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2002. Pp. xii + 220. $19.95 paper.

Abstract

Birch's volume on how first language (L1) features such as its orthographic system, phonology, or morphology exert a significant influence on an ESL/EFL reader's performance is an invaluable contribution to the complex and complicated issue of assisting learners of other languages (particularly those from languages with different writing systems) in the process of becoming more efficient and effective readers. This book is relevant to “all ESL and EFL practitioners … teaching illiterate people to read in English or to those whose students already know how to read in their native language” and to “reading researchers, curriculum designers and material writers” including “teachers-in-training” (p. x).