Japanese speakers of American English: competence with connectives in written language

Competence with literate connectives (e.g., conversely, similarly, moreover) is important for academic success, particularly in university settings. This study examined the ability of Japanese speakers of American English (mean age = 23 years) who were attending an American university to use and understand connectives in written language. Compared to a control group of age-matched native English-speakers attending the same university, the Japanese students had difficulty with the words. Suggestions are offered on how speech-language pathologists might facilitate competence with connectives in adults who are non-native speakers of English.