Hostname: page-component-6766d58669-zlvph Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-05-22T13:03:04.396Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Are there independent lexical and nonlexical routes in word processing? An evaluation of the dual-route theory of reading

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Glyn W. Humphreys
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Birkbeck College, London WC1E 7HX, England
Lindsay J. Evett
Affiliation:
MRC Cognitive Development Unit, 17 Gordon Street, London WC1, England

Abstract

One of the most popular and influential theories of word processing, dual-route theory, proposes that there are two functionally independent means of processing words, one involving access to lexical knowledge and the other involving nonlexical grapheme-to-phoneme conversion. Three topics germane to this theory are the processing of nonwords, spelling regularity effects, and the manner in which reading may be impaired following selective damage to either route. This paper evaluates evidence on these topics, and in each case the claims of the theory for an independent nonlexical processing route are called into question. This conclusion is further supported by a discussion of the linguistic constraints that limit any nonlexical grapheme—phoneme conversion process. Some alternative approaches to visual word processing, which share the assumption that lexical knowledge can guide the assembly of phonological information, are discussed. It is argued that these approaches should direct future research.

Information

Type
Target article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable