Eye-Tracking Researches in Reading and Second Language Acquisition: from Monolinguals to Bilinguals

Abstract

The mechanism of cognitive processing in reading has been a research focus for many years. Recent years, people have gradually turned their focus from understanding the process of text of monolinguals to bilinguals. As eye-tracking technology becomes more and more sophisticated, this paper aims to selectively review studies employed eye-tracking in reading and second language acquisition and to provide advice for Chinese learners of English. Based on CNKI and Web of Science database, this paper reviewed classic research in eye movement and eye-tracking, and analyzed research in reading and second language acquisition by areas of interest. Then, this paper summarized research focus, and particularly the factors influenced reading ability in passage reading. Moreover, the paper pointed the limitations of previous research and found two general problem: the limited participants and eye movement measures. Finally, this paper considers future directions for both monolingual and bilingual studies and in particular the language comprehension mechanism.