DJ Johnson

Abstract

The paper first discusses the 1995 working definition of developmental dyslexia. It then elaborates on the reading process as a hierarchy of language performance involving learners' experience, nonverbal cognitive processes, receptive and expressive language, discourse processing, reading and written language. Future directions should emphasize a life span perspective, examine the global and specific problems of underachievement, set goals and priorities and enhance professional preparation. In all these endeavours motivation in literacy learning is also important.