Reading integration in bilingual speakers

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to describe research methodologies that can be used to examine when and how bilingual readers integrate their representations of texts across languages and how their languages infl uence these representations. Text representations are described in terms of Kintsch and van Dijk’s concepts of Surface Form, Textbase, and Situation model. We review research methodologies designed to explore each of these levels of representation, such as script manipulations (surface form manipulation), code switching, and mixed-language reading (textbase manipulations), and transfer benefi ts and background knowledge (situation model manipulations). For each study reviewed, we describe key independent and dependent variables and key procedural issues that need to be controlled, such as properties of the stimuli. The research described here supports the conclusion that bilinguals can integrate text representations at multiple levels.