Chapter 3
The dynamic co-development of linguistic and discourse-semantic complexity in advanced L2 writing
This study reports on an exploratory investigation of the developmental and interaction patterns of linguistic
and discourse-semantic complexity in two advanced Chinese EFL learners’ argumentative writings. Adopting a complex dynamic systems
theory approach, this work captures linguistic complexity by using subordination and phrasal elaboration metrics, and semantic
complexity by examining grammatical metaphor. The findings are: (a) the two sub-systems of linguistic complexity develop through
different paths, featuring nonlinearity with progress and regression; (b) semantic complexity generally undergoes dynamic
development – however, there seems to be inter-participant variation in terms of transitional phases; (c) the interaction of
linguistic and semantic complexity is diversified between the subsystems and at the individual level. The level of L2 skillfulness and
integrated feedback are likely to contribute jointly to the results. These findings have implications for both L2 writing research and
instruction.
Article outline
- Introduction
- Rationale
- Complexity in L2 research
- Connecting nominalization to semantic complexity
- Measuring L2 linguistic complexity
- Nominalization as an indicator of discourse-semantic complexity in
advanced L2 writing
- The present study
- The setting
- The participants
- Measures
- Data coding and analysis
- Results
- Intra-variability in the development of linguistic and semantic
complexity
- Interaction between linguistic complexity and semantic
complexity
- Discussion
- Conclusion
-
Note
-
References
-
Appendix
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