Impact of Supra-segmental Features on Reading Comprehension in First and Second Language: A Comparative Study of Iranian EFL learners

Abstract

Supra-segmental features refer to various forms of intonation and how words and sentences are uttered. Such features challenge meaning and comprehension, too. Despite the importance of these features and their reported association with phonological awareness and linguistic comprehension, their effects on reading comprehension have not been explored. The current work investigated the impact of a remedial program on Persian and English reading comprehension of a group of English language learners (N=30 divided into experimental and control groups). The measurements tested the components of reading comprehension based on the Simple View of Reading (SVR). Additionally, supra-segmental features were assessed by Profiling Elements of Prosody (i.e., supra-segmentals) in Speech-communication (PEPS) in both languages. As a result, English and Persian elision and also Persian listening were affected by teaching supra-segmental features. Assessing the transfer of linguistic skills revealed that Persian listening and knowledge of supra-segmentals, in particular, recognizing short syllables and awareness of stress position in a sentence, contribute to English reading comprehension. It indicates that reading and listening comprehension are affected by similar cognitive processes that may lay in the knowledge of supra-segmentals. The findings also suggest that simpler systems of supra-segmentals are more likely to transfer. Pertinent pedagogical implications were presented, as well.

The Effects of Connected Speech Instruction on Second or Foreign Language Learners’ Perceptive Skills and Connected Speech Production: A Systematic Review of the Literature (2000-2021)

“…Hence, future researchers should consider providing more details about the instruction so that potential researchers or teachers can benefit from their findings. Many studies (among others, Couper, 2003;Kuo, 2010;Mirfatemi, Sadeghi, & Niyazi, 2020;Euler, 2014;Hamouda;2017), focused on combined features of connected speech in their materials.…”

Gegar Bahasa pada Program Pertukaran Mahasiswa Indonesia di Jepang: Sebuah Studi Kasus

“…Unsur supra-segmental mengacu pada berbagai bentuk intonasi dan bagaimana kata dan kalimat diucapkan (Mirfatemi, Sadeghi & Niyazi, 2020). Berdasarkan data penelitian, intonasi menjadi unsur yang menyebabkan terjadinya gegar bahasa.…”