Performance on spoonerisms predict reading abilities in Persian language

The aim of this study was to examine any possible associations between the ability to handle spoonerisms and reading skills in monolingual Persian-speaking students. Two hundred ninety seven (151 boys) monolingual Persian-speaking students from levels 1-5 of primary schools in Tehran underwent the Assessment of Persian Reading Ability and the Persian Spoonerism Test. Multiple regression analysis showed that spoonerism part 1, part 2 and the speed of spoonerism could predict 45% of variance of the accuracy of reading words and 37% of the accuracy of reading passages. Part 2 and speed of spoonerisms could predict 26% variance of reading comprehension; and speed of spoonerisms could predict 24% variance of speed of reading passages. Correlational analyses revealed that age may not have any effect on the observed associations between spoonerisms and reading skills, which in turn indicated to similar properties for these cognitive functions. Accordingly, spoonerism could be considered as an indicator for the development of reading skills and a guide for remedial education of children with reading problems.