John Benjamins Publishing Company
Syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy as a function of task complexity and proficiency level in L2 writing and speaking
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Abstract
The research project reported in this chapter consists of three studies in which syntactic complexity, lexical variation and fluency appear as dependent variables. The independent variables are task complexity and proficiency level, as the three studies investigate the effect of task complexity on the written and oral performance of L2 learners of different levels of linguistic proficiency. Task complexity was defined according to Robinson’s Triadic Componential Framework in terms of the number of elements to be dealt with (Robinson 2001a, b, 2003, 2005, 2007). Linguistic performance was assessed by means of both general and specific measures of syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy. In the final section of the paper, the results of the three studies, which seem to contradict Robinson’s predictions, are compared and discussed, both with respect to the Triadic Componential Framework and the proficiency measures used.
Abstract
The research project reported in this chapter consists of three studies in which syntactic complexity, lexical variation and fluency appear as dependent variables. The independent variables are task complexity and proficiency level, as the three studies investigate the effect of task complexity on the written and oral performance of L2 learners of different levels of linguistic proficiency. Task complexity was defined according to Robinson’s Triadic Componential Framework in terms of the number of elements to be dealt with (Robinson 2001a, b, 2003, 2005, 2007). Linguistic performance was assessed by means of both general and specific measures of syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy. In the final section of the paper, the results of the three studies, which seem to contradict Robinson’s predictions, are compared and discussed, both with respect to the Triadic Componential Framework and the proficiency measures used.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents I
- Acknowledgements VII
- Notes on contributors IX
- Complexity, accuracy and fluency 1
- Defining and operationalising L2 complexity 21
- Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency from the perspective of psycholinguistic Second Language Acquisition research 47
- Complexity, accuracy and fluency 71
- The growth of complexity and accuracy in L2 French 95
- The effect of task complexity on functional adequacy, fluency and lexical diversity in speaking performances of native and non-native speakers 121
- Syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy as a function of task complexity and proficiency level in L2 writing and speaking 143
- The effects of cognitive task complexity on L2 oral production 171
- Complexity, accuracy, fluency and lexis in task-based performance 199
- Measuring and perceiving changes in oral complexity, accuracy and fluency 221
- The development of complexity, accuracy and fluency in the written production of L2 French 247
- A longitudinal study of complexity, accuracy and fluency variation in second language development 277
- Epilogue 299
- Index 303
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents I
- Acknowledgements VII
- Notes on contributors IX
- Complexity, accuracy and fluency 1
- Defining and operationalising L2 complexity 21
- Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency from the perspective of psycholinguistic Second Language Acquisition research 47
- Complexity, accuracy and fluency 71
- The growth of complexity and accuracy in L2 French 95
- The effect of task complexity on functional adequacy, fluency and lexical diversity in speaking performances of native and non-native speakers 121
- Syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy as a function of task complexity and proficiency level in L2 writing and speaking 143
- The effects of cognitive task complexity on L2 oral production 171
- Complexity, accuracy, fluency and lexis in task-based performance 199
- Measuring and perceiving changes in oral complexity, accuracy and fluency 221
- The development of complexity, accuracy and fluency in the written production of L2 French 247
- A longitudinal study of complexity, accuracy and fluency variation in second language development 277
- Epilogue 299
- Index 303
