The significance of schemata and cultural familiarity in second language reading: a systematic review

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight on three main objectives. Firstly, the discussion describes on the role of schemata (background knowledge) in encouraging ESL learners' reading comprehension in the second language classroom. Secondly, this systematic review will also emphasize on the significance of selecting culturally familiar texts as the reading materials for the second language learners. Besides, it is also the goal of this paper to describe on the pedagogical implications that can be applied by the second language teachers in order to enhance reading comprehension among learners. In particular, this study is conducted through a thematic analysis of 17journal articles related to the second language reading where the main focus is on the aspect of cultural familiarity in the text selection for ESL students. Specifically, most research findings highlight that culturally familiar elements enhance students' reading comprehension of the texts as it provides them with a platform to contextualize the content of the reading materials. In addition, previous research also proves that the incorporation of culturally familiar teaching resources helps to create less threatening learning environment and higher classroom participation among students.