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
-
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