The use of the orthographic lexicon in reading kana words.

A lexical decision task was used to investigate the dual-route hypothesis that, in reading words conventionally written in katakana, a Japanese syllabic script, lexical access may be achieved by both a process of assembled segmental phonology and the use of a visual orthographic lexicon. The variables examined were lexicality (words and nonwords), kana type (katakana and hiragana), string length (long and short), and vocal interference (silence and concurrent vocalization). The main effects of the first three variables were significant, but more important, we found that subjects could be divided into two groups--phonological assemblers and orthographic lexicon users. Words that assume sighting were also identified. Collectively, the results were interpreted to uphold the dual-route hypothesis and to reject the common view that kana words are accessed on the basis of phonological mediation alone.