Is Literacy Acquisition Easier in Some Languages Than in Others?

Abstract

It is frequently asserted that the Chinese logographic writing system is more difficult to learn than the English alphabetic system. This view seems to be based chiefly on the belief that the large number of Chinese characters is a heavy burden on the student. But this may be a misconception for two reasons: 1) there are far more items to be learned in the English system than is generally recognized; 2) the sheer number of characters to be learned is not in itself an important psychological factor. What is more important is the extent of redundancy in the system. Numerous alternatives may conceal the nature of the written code from the beginner and cause confusion. This and other variables in the writing system may prevent the child from perceiving that writing and print are indeed "visible language."