Learning a second language improves reading comprehension in a person's first language.

Is it true that learning a second language improves reading comprehension in a person's first language?

Unclear. The retrieved studies address the reverse relationship, showing that first-language reading skills and vocabulary predict second-language reading comprehension, rather than demonstrating that learning a second language improves first-language reading comprehension. No item directly tests the claim's causal direction.

Verdict: PARTIAL LEAN · 0 sources for, 3 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Fecteau, M. L. (1999). First‐and Second‐Language Reading Comprehension of Literary Texts. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/0026-7902.00036

Bosch, L. J. v. d., Segers, E., & Verhoeven, L. (2020). First and second language vocabulary affect early second language reading comprehension development. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9817.12304

Eri, F., Hironobu, O., & Shinichi, H. (2012). Enhancing Metacognitive Awareness on First and Second Language Reading and Writing Mediated by Social Networking Websites. eric.ed.gov. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED574939