Project description
Modelling compensation strategies in reading acquisition
Many languages have opaque orthographies, making pronunciation unpredictable and decoding difficult for novice readers. These challenges prompt the development of compensatory strategies shaped by the specifics of each orthography. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EURO Reading project investigates two such strategies: reliance on larger processing units (Grain Size Theory) and reliance on word context. First, it will define a cross-linguistically valid measure of orthographic opacity to test the strategies. Next, Grain Size Theory will be modelled computationally, and cross-linguistic effects on context-based strategies will be examined through behavioural and computational methods. Finally, the team will collect bilingual data and develop a bilingual reading acquisition model focused on context use, capturing how orthographic demands shape reading development.
Objective
Reading acquisition primarily relies on acquiring novel orthographic forms. In this process, efficient decoding of orthographically novel words can be difficult due to the unpredictability of the written-spoken language relationship. Thus, children are forced to develop strategies for effectively acquiring novel words. The main goal of my project is to investigate the compensatory strategies employed by novice readers. I will study two compensatory strategies: one suggests employing a larger processing grain during decoding for better accuracy, based on the Grain Size Theory, while the other recommends using contextual cues to learn despite decoding inaccuracies.
Given the predominant focus on English monolinguals in behavioral and computational studies and the central role of language opacity in reading, I will focus on languages with varying degrees of opacity. Additionally, I will also study reading acquisition among bilingual individuals, considering the widespread prevalence of bilingualism in Europe, an area that has been relatively under-explored.
In the study of compensation strategies, I identified both computational and behavioral research needs in the literature. Therefore, in this project, I propose a computational study to define a reliable opacity measure. Building on the computational model of reading acquisition I developed during my PhD, I also aim to simulate the Grain Size Theory, and implement a bilingual reading acquisition model to simulate relevant behavioral data. Additionally, I will conduct cross-linguistic behavioral studies on context effects, including both monolingual and bilingual individuals.
Cross-linguistic comparisons will help improve the generalizability of findings, addressing an urgent need in the literature. This multidisciplinary approach will also strengthen the links between theoretical cognitive mechanisms and behavioral effects, thereby improving our knowledge of compensation strategies during reading acquisition.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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20009 San Sebastian
Spain
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