Review of current developments in reading anxiety, first language reading and second language proficiency in association with second or foreign language reading comprehension

Abstract

Effects of first language reading and second language proficiency on second or foreign language reading have been studied either separately or together. As most studies have indicated that anxiety as one of the main factors could impede second or foreign language reading process, effect of reading anxiety on SL/FL reading should be explored. Researchers showed that not only L1 reading and L2 proficiency have substantial effects on SL/FL reading, but reading anxiety has been focused as a significant factor in SL/FL reading. Recent studies suggested that besides L1 reading and L2 proficiency in reading comprehension, reading anxiety need to be considered. Since L1 reading, L2 proficiency and reading anxiety influence SL/FL reading significantly, to better understand, this article focuses on the effect of reading anxiety not only with first language reading, but also with English language proficiency to differentiate which factor has the highest effect on SL/FL reading.