Text reading in English as a second language: Evidence from the Multilingual Eye-Movements Corpus

Abstract Research into second language (L2) reading is an exponentially growing field. Yet, it still has a relatively short supply of comparable, ecologically valid data from readers representing variety first languages (L1). This article addresses this need by presenting new resource called MECO L2 (Multilingual Eye Movements Corpus), rich behavioral eye-tracking record text in English as among 543 university student speakers 12 different L1s. includes test battery component skills and allows for comparison the participants’ performance their L1 L2. enables innovative large-scale cross-sample analyses predictors fluency comprehension. We introduce design structure resource, along with reliability estimates basic descriptive analyses. Then, we illustrate utility quantifying contributions four sources to variability proficiency proposed prior literature: comprehension L1, reading, extralinguistic factors, readers. Major findings included (a) fundamental contrast between determinants versus accuracy, (b) high within-participant consistency real-time strategy conclude reviewing implications these theories acquisition outline further directions which may support research.