Chapter 9. On the importance of register in learner writing
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Tove Larsson
Abstract
The present study explores the relative importance of register in learner writing vis-à-vis learner-internal factors such as first-language background. Using multi-dimensional analysis, the study looks at learner and native-speaker student writing from two registers (argumentative essays and research papers), in comparison to published scientific articles. The results show that while certain differences could be noted across first-language background, the main differences were found between the registers, stressing its importance as a moderating variable. Specifically, the research papers and the scientific articles were characterized by topic-focussed, factual descriptions, and the argumentative texts by a more personal style. The results thus highlight the importance of taking register into consideration in learner corpus research studies.
Abstract
The present study explores the relative importance of register in learner writing vis-à-vis learner-internal factors such as first-language background. Using multi-dimensional analysis, the study looks at learner and native-speaker student writing from two registers (argumentative essays and research papers), in comparison to published scientific articles. The results show that while certain differences could be noted across first-language background, the main differences were found between the registers, stressing its importance as a moderating variable. Specifically, the research papers and the scientific articles were characterized by topic-focussed, factual descriptions, and the argumentative texts by a more personal style. The results thus highlight the importance of taking register into consideration in learner corpus research studies.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Biographical notes ix
- Chapter 1. A corpus-based approach to register variation 1
- Chapter 2. Extending text-linguistic studies of register variation to a continuous situational space 19
- Chapter 3. How register-specific is probabilistic grammatical knowledge? 51
- Chapter 4. Theme as a proxy for register categorization 85
- Chapter 5. Between context and community 111
- Chapter 6. A register variation perspective on varieties of English 143
- Chapter 7. Register and modification in the noun phrase 179
- Chapter 8. A register approach toward pop lyrics in EFL education 209
- Chapter 9. On the importance of register in learner writing 235
- Chapter 10. Nominalizations in Early Modern English 259
- Chapter 11. Measuring informativity 291
- Chapter 12. Exploring sub-register variation in Victorian newspapers 313
- Index 339
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Biographical notes ix
- Chapter 1. A corpus-based approach to register variation 1
- Chapter 2. Extending text-linguistic studies of register variation to a continuous situational space 19
- Chapter 3. How register-specific is probabilistic grammatical knowledge? 51
- Chapter 4. Theme as a proxy for register categorization 85
- Chapter 5. Between context and community 111
- Chapter 6. A register variation perspective on varieties of English 143
- Chapter 7. Register and modification in the noun phrase 179
- Chapter 8. A register approach toward pop lyrics in EFL education 209
- Chapter 9. On the importance of register in learner writing 235
- Chapter 10. Nominalizations in Early Modern English 259
- Chapter 11. Measuring informativity 291
- Chapter 12. Exploring sub-register variation in Victorian newspapers 313
- Index 339
