Semantic processes, verbal fluency and postural stability in Chinese readers with different reading abilities

Abstract

This study investigated whether Chinese readers who were highly proficient in Chinese and English were better than their average counterparts in various semantic, verbal fluency, postural stability and reading measures. Sixty undergraduates were divided into good readers (n=30) and average readers (n=30) in Chinese and English respectively. Semantic decision, semantic fluency, letter fluency, postural stability, reading and spelling tests were administered. Results showed that good readers were better than average readers in Chinese spelling, reading, and semantic decision. When processing English, good readers were better than average readers in spelling, reading (including irregular words and pseudowords), semantic decision, semantic fluency, letter fluency and postural stability. Implications of these processes in learning Chinese and English among Chinese readers were discussed.