Investigating Reading Comprehension of Nepali and Tharu Native Speakers

Abstract

The present study "Investigating Reading Comprehension of Nepali and Tharu Native Speakers" aims at determining the level of reading comprehension of Nepali and Tharu native speakers and comparing their ability to comprehend English texts. The study involved the students studying at grade twelve in Rupandehi district for getting data. To fulfil the objectives, the researcher collected data from five higher secondary schools in Rupandehi district. The sample population consisted of 80 students and they were selected by using judgemental non-random sampling. A test paper based on reading comprehension was prepared and administered to the students. Before administering the test, a pilot test was done for the validity and reliability of the test paper. The analysis of the data was done using some statistical processing as percentage, mean, standard deviation and t-test. The level of reading comprehension of Nepali and Tharu native speakers was determined and compared whether or not the difference was significant. It was found that Nepali native speakers were significantly better than Tharu native speakers in reading English texts. This thesis consists of four chapters. Chapter one deals with the general background of the study. It includes the importance of English language, brief introduction of Nepali and Tharu language, brief introduction of language proficiency and proficiency test, brief introduction of language testing and testing reading comprehension, a brief account of reading skill and reading comprehension and relation between proficiency and error. It also consists of literature review, objectives of the study, significance of the study and definition of specific terms. Chapter two deals with the methodology adopted during the study. It includes the sources of data, sample of the study, sampling procedure, tools for data collection, pilot-test, process of data collection and limitations of the study. Chapter three deals with the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained using statistical tools. The data was analyzed on the basis of native speakers, gender and texts. Chapter four deals with the findings and recommendations of the study.