The Cross-Language Influence of Linguistic Knowledge and Calculation Skills From Spanish to English

• In Event: Math, Culture, and Language

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between English learners’ (ELs, N = 223) Spanish linguistic knowledge, Spanish calculation performance, English linguistic knowledge, and English calculation performance. Two important findings emerged. First, significant relationships occurred: (a) between ELs’ Spanish vocabulary knowledge and Spanish reading comprehension (β = 0.59, p < .05, R2 = 0.37); and (b) between Spanish reading comprehension and Spanish calculation performance (β = 0.17, p < .05, R2 = 0.12). Second, a significant cross-linguistic relationship in Spanish and English calculation performance emerged (β = 0.41, p < .05, R2 = 0.29). These findings support the notion that ELs’ Spanish linguistic knowledge predicts their Spanish calculation performance, which subsequently impacts their English calculation performance.

Authors

• Jui-Teng Li, Appalachian State University
  Presenting Author

• Genesis D. Arizmendi, University of Arizona
  Presenting Author

• Lee Swanson, University of California - Riverside
  Presenting Author