3.7.4 The Role of Working Memory in Encoding Processes during Chinese Word Writing (Joshi)
Project Description:
The Role of Working Memory in Encoding Processes during Chinese Word Writing
R. M. Joshi & Bing Han
Purpose. English word writing errors can be classified into phonological, semantic, and orthographic errors, suggesting the multi-dimensionality of encoding processes during word writing. Also, working memory plays an important role in encoding processes in alphabetic orthographies. However, few studies have investigated these issues in non-alphabetic orthographies, such as Chinese. The current study examined Chinese word writing errors to understand Chinese metalinguistic encoding procedures and their associations with working memory.
Method. Two hundred and twenty-three Grade 5 Chinese students completed tasks of word writing and working memory in Chinese. Word writing tasks consisted of a 36-item one-character task and a 30-item two-character task and writing errors in the tasks were classified into 10 categories. Working memory was measured using a 14-item numeric task and a 6-item verbal task. Parents education level, gender and classroom effect were controlled.
Results. We have conducted the initial statistical analyses of exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical linear modeling. The initial results suggested that the dimensionality of writing errors could be categorized into phono-semantic, orthographic, and visual encoding errors. Further, it was found that the verbal memory was only associated with the phono-semantic encoding process but not with orthographic or visual encoding processes. None of the control variables were statistically significant. It appears that the semantic and phonological encoding processes collaborate to facilitate Chinese word writing. Also, higher abilities of verbal memory may help students hold phonological and semantic codes in memory while accurately encoding them into written forms. The implications may be that educators should consider the role of verbal working memory in Chinese word writing to better prepare them for future literacy development.
We have analyzed the data further and we are now at the stage of finishing up the manuscript and it will be sent out to a journal no later than August.
Keyword(s):
literacy, Chinese, writing, research, metalinguistic, encoding, memory
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Limited English
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
International
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
