Physics

Perspective (graphical)

Philosophy

Theoretical linguistics

Artificial intelligence

Problem of universals

Universality (dynamical systems)

Syllabic verse

Natural language processing

Learning to read

Speech recognition

Computer science

Linguistics

Reading (process)

Quantum mechanics

Language acquisition

Writing system

Linguistic universal

Scientific Studies of Reading

In this article, we provide a cross-linguistic perspective on the universals and particulars in learning to read across seventeen different orthographies. Starting from the assumption that reading reflects a learned sensitivity to the systematic relationships between the surface forms of words and their meanings, we chose a broad group of seventeen languages, representing syllabic, morphosyllabic, alphasyllabic (abugida), abjad, and alphabetic writing systems. We investigated the systematic variation among these languages in their written forms and in their mapping of writing units to language units, and demonstrated the universality of operating principles in learning to read across languages and writing systems.

Universals in Learning to Read Across Languages and Writing Systems