Effects of First Language Glosses and Second Language Glosses on EFL Learners Reading comprehension

The present study investigated the effect of glossing on reading comprehension of EFL learners. To this end, a total of 90 Iranian intermediate EFL learners who studied English in a language institute of Ahvaz were selected through a language proficiency test. Having administered an Oxford Placement Test (OPT), the researcher divided the participants into three equal groups, each with 30 EFL learners: first language (L1) gloss group, second language (L2) gloss group, and control group with no glossing. They were instructed to check the glosses while reading the texts which were in these three formats. The results of the study indicated that there is a significant difference between L1 gloss group and L2 gloss group in their performance on reading comprehension. Moreover, the findings revealed that L2 gloss group outperformed L1 gloss group. Finally, the study implies that L1 gloss and L2 gloss can be instrumental in enhancing EFL learners reading comprehension.