Saccades and Phonological Coding

Abstract

Purpose: This phenomenological study aimed to investigate how saccade behavior influences the precision of pronunciation in non-native English speakers during loud reading. A cohort of 20 non-native English speakers participated in the research. Methodology: Through open-ended questions, participants were probed on various dimensions, including challenges encountered during oral reading, strategies employed to overcome these obstacles, experiences related to saccade behavior, individual variations in saccade behavior, and factors influencing pronunciation accuracy. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes that aligned with the research inquiries. Findings: A notable connection exists between non-native speakers' eye movements and their pronunciation accuracy during vocalized reading, particularly at higher volumes. The eye movement patterns and reading style significantly influence their pronunciation proficiency. These findings bear relevance in devising strategies aimed at refining saccade control capabilities and addressing the challenges confronted by non-native speakers when reading aloud in noisy environments. Implications: Consequently, this endeavor can lead to improved accuracy in pronunciation.