Linguistic Effects on Anagram Solution: The Case of a Transparent Language

Abstract

Anagram solution tasks have been frequently used to assess word recognition processes and relevant research suggests that anagram solution ability is closely related to reading. Recently, the anagram paradigm was utilized to compare reading performance in the Greek language and was found to share significant positive correlation to reading fluency. The aim of the present study is to explore theoretical views with regard to the linguistic effects on solving anagrams in a transparent language with a simple syllabic structure, using custom made software. Results from 76 children illustrate that anagram solution difficulty is influenced by both syllable complexity and grapheme frequency. These variables also explain much of the variation in terms of the number of moves required for solution and the time spent working on anagrams.