Options
Toward a theoretical framework for researching second language production
Citation
Hu, G. (2013). Toward a theoretical framework for researching second language production. Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies, 396(12), 31-45. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2013.12.004
Author
Hu, Guangwei
Abstract
Various theories have been proposed to account for second language production and the systematic variation characteristic of such production. Most of these theories, however, constitute only partial explanations because they often fail to handle mixed empirical findings about factors held to affect second language output and underlie systematic variation. This paper proposes a new theoretical framework for posing and addressing research questions about second language production in general and systematic variation in particular. Building on influential cognitive models of second language learning and use, the theoretical framework comprises three cognitive dimensions, viz. knowledge representation, attentional focus, and processing automaticity, which interact with each other. The theoretical framework is justified by drawing on the cognitive literature and cumulative findings from second language acquisition (SLA) research. The paper also outlines applications of the framework to issues of interest to SLA researchers working on a number of different fronts.
Publisher
Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies
Journal
Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies