First language Influences in Second Language Reading.docVIP

First language Influences in Second Language Reading 　　Abstract：The influence of L1 has been traditionally studied by SLA from the perspective of language transfer. Previous research has proved from different perspectives that the reliance on L1 is evitable in L2 reading process. The research provides an in-depth study of the actual role L1 played in L2 reading， which enriched the SLA study of L1 translation in the area of reading comprehension， allowed us to think the L1 influence from learner’s mental process. Understanding of the actual role L1 plays in L2 reading helps us to better study the L2 reading process， which will in turn contribute greatly to improve learners L2 reading performance. 　　Key words：L1（first-language）；L2（second-language）；SLA；mental linguistic；language proficiency 　　I Introduction 　　Improving learners’ reading ability in a second language has long been the concern of second language teaching and learning. The article I have chosen to focus on is written by Thomas A. Upton and Li-Chun Lee Thompson （2001）， titled as “The role of the first language in second language reading”， in which they explored when and how the L2 readers use their L1 during L2 reading process. 　　II Summary of the research article 　　1.Research purpose and main procedures 　　The research was carried out by focusing on two main questions， which were， when the reliance on L1 may happen and in what way the L1 use may facilitate L2 reading. The study was based on learners’data collected during two stages， which were think-aloud verbal protocols and retrospective interviews. 　　2.Research findings 　　（1）L1 translation： mental linguistic functions. 　　In the first place， their findings confirmed the previous theory which states that readers’ L1 is inevitably referred to during L2 reading process. What is more important， it revealed that the use of L1 during L2 reading process is more than just mental translation. The various ways in which L1 is used to facilitate L2 read