Role of Cross-Modal Binding in Reading Japanese Kana Letters

Abstract

This study examined the roles of working memory in preschoolers’ kana letter reading, particularly when reading special syllables, including yo-on and soku-on letters. The study administered preschoolers tests over the Internet to assess kana letter and word reading and the three working memory components―the phonological loop, the visuospatial sketchpad, and the episodic buffer. Multiple regression analyses revealed the following results: (1)The phonological loop was positively related to the accuracy of reading kana letters, yo-on letters, and words that included yo-on letters; (2) The visuospatial sketchpad was positively related to kana and yo-on letter reading accuracy; (3) The cross-modal binding ability, a function of the episodic buffer, was positively related to the reading accuracy of kana words and words including yo-on and soku-on.