Word Recognition in Arabic: Approaching a Language-Specific Reading Model

Abstract

This chapter makes an attempt to explain reading processes and specifically word recognition with specific reference to Arabic. A short historical outline of word recognition theory is presented and critical theoretical aspects are examined in order to question the universality of the dominating theories about how word recognition processes proceed at the cognitive level during reading. Then, a connectionist word recognition model giving letter recognition particular consideration is outlined, and from this theoretical perspective a language specific description of word recognition in Arabic is proposed, with consideration given to the specific features of both Arabic script and Semitic morphology, using our knowledge of reading in English as a comparative framework.