Mayumi Kajiura (Nagoya City University, Japan)
Abstract
In this study, I explore the impact of multimodal input on second language acquisition, focusing on whether simultaneous presentation of reading comprehension texts and audio at varying speeds affects reading duration and speed. Thirteen Japanese EFL learners participated, with their reading speed measured through semantic judgment tasks. The experiment involved presenting ten sentences in a text-only condition, followed by simultaneous audio and text at speeds of 1.4x, 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2x, and concluding with another ten text-only sentences. The findings revealed that reading speed increased when texts were paired with 1.6x, 1.8x, and 2x speed audio compared to the text-only condition. However, I observed no significant difference in reading speed between the initial and final text-only presentations. This suggests that while fast audio can enhance reading speed during multimodal presentations, this effect does not persist in text-only reading, indicating limited transfer of fast listening benefits to reading comprehension.
Research Paper (Video; 25 minutes)
Multiliteracies / Multimodality
Primarily of interest to teachers of university students
About the Presenter
Mayumi Kajiura is an associate professor at Nagoya City University, specializing in second language acquisition. Her focus is on examining listening learning from a neuroscience perspective. She is particularly interested in multimodal learning.
