Online Reading support Systems for Reading Japanese Text

Abstract

<p>[This section does not allow copy &amp; paste. I have copied the abstract of my paper manually].</p><p> </p><p>Websites written in the target language abound for L2 learners to read. Reading unmodified texts in a L2, however, requires a great level of reading ability, especially in the case where L1 is orthographically and syntactically distant from the target language. Thus, it is essential to have an effective computerised reading support system that gives L2 readers sufficient information for comprehension, and that, at the same time, assists in the development of reading ability for future reading. This study analysed four support systems for reading Japanese texts based on criteria supported by previous research findings, in order to determine whether they cover a wide range of information useful for reading comprehension and for the development of reading ability. The results revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the four although none of the four satisfied all the criteria. The paper discusses possible improvements and any potential difficulties that may hinder them.</p>