There are around 7,000 different languages. The unique orthographic characteristics of different languages can help us to gain insight into the seemingly simple process of transforming written... Show moreThere are around 7,000 different languages. The unique orthographic characteristics of different languages can help us to gain insight into the seemingly simple process of transforming written script to spoken words (i.e., reading aloud). In this thesis, using behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) measures the time course of reading (aloud) was investigated in first, second, and cross-language situations. Overall, target words (e.g., CARPET) were read aloud faster when preceded by phonologically (e.g., kettle) but not orthographically onset-related primes (e.g., circus). However, this pattern was absent during silent reading and reading in Persian where words are printed without vowels. EEG data revealed both orthographic and phonological activation about 150 milliseconds after target presentation for all situations and languages. These results suggest that reading starts with same processes __ whether silent or aloud or in different scripts. Additionally, even if we have an accent in a second language, the phonological code is activated similarly as for a native speaker. To conclude, this thesis favors computational models assuming early conversion of orthography-to-phonology. However, with approximately half of the world__s population being bilingual and the results presented in this thesis, it is important that computational models of reading processes extend their horizon. Show less
This thesis investigates the processing of words written in Japanese kanji and Chinese hànzì, i.e. logographic scripts. Special attention is given to the fact that the majority of Japanese kanji... Show moreThis thesis investigates the processing of words written in Japanese kanji and Chinese hànzì, i.e. logographic scripts. Special attention is given to the fact that the majority of Japanese kanji have multiple pronunciations (generally depending on the combination a kanji forms with other characters). First, using masked priming, it is established that upon presentation of a Japanese kanji multiple pronunciations are activated. In subsequent experiments using word naming with context pictures it is concluded that both Chinese hànzì and Japanese kanji are read out loud via a direct route from orthography to phonology. However, only Japanese kanji become susceptible to semantic or phonological context effects as a result of a cost due to the processing of multiple pronunciations. Finally, zooming in on the size of the articulatory planning unit in Japanese it is concluded that the mora as a phonological unit best complies with the observed data pattern and not the phoneme or the syllable. Show less
