摘要：This study investigated whether phonological short-term memory (PSTM) capacity has a significant relationship with the reading proficiency of Japanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, and the degree to which PSTM capacity contributes to L2 reading proficiency. For this purpose, the PSTM of 208 Japanese university students majoring in education and engineering was measured using an L1-based digit span test and an L1-based pseudoword span test, and reading proficiency was examined with a reading section of a standardized English proficiency test (Visualizing English Language Competency Test). The results of the regression analyses revealed that PSTM had significant positive effects on L2 reading, including its subcomponents. The study demonstrates the positive influence of PSTM on L2 reading proficiency, which previous studies have failed to do and provides insight into our understanding of the effects of PSTM on L2 reading proficiency.
