Dimensions of L2 Performance and Proficiency: Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency in SLA(32 Language Learning & Language Teaching)

Research into complexity, accuracy and fluency (CAF) as basic dimensions of second language performance, proficiency and development has received increased attention in SLA. However, the larger picture in this field of research is often obscured by the breadth of scope, multiple objectives and lack of clarity as to how complexity, accuracy and fluency should be defined, operationalized and measured. The present volume showcases current research on CAF by bringing together eleven contributions from renowned international researchers in the field. These contributions not only add to the body of empirical knowledge about L2 use and L2 development by bringing new research findings to light but they also address fundamental theoretical and methodological issues by responding to questions about the nature, manifestation, development and assessment of CAF as multifaceted constructs. Collectively, the chapters in this book illustrate the converging and sometimes diverging approaches that different disciplines bring to CAF research.

Table of Contents:
1. Table of contents; 2. Acknowledgements; 3. Notes on contributors; 4. Complexity, accuracy and fluency: Definitions, measurement and research (by Housen, Alex); 5. Defining and operationalising L2 complexity (by Bulte, Bram); 6. Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency from the perspective of psycholinguistic Second Language Acquisition research (by Towell, Richard J.); 7. Complexity, accuracy and fluency*: The role played by formulaic sequences in early interlanguage development (by Myles, Florence); 8. The growth of complexity and accuracy in L2 French: Past observations and recent applications of developmental stages (by Agren, Malin); 9. The effect of task complexity on functional adequacy, fluency and lexical diversity in speaking performances of native and non-native speakers (by Jong, Nivja de); 10. Syntactic complexity, lexical variation and accuracy as a function of task complexity and proficiency level in L2 writing and speaking (by Kuiken, Folkert); 11. The effects of cognitive task complexity on L2 oral production (by Levkina, Mayya); 12. Complexity, accuracy, fluency and lexis in task-based performance: A synthesis of the Ealing research (by Skehan, Peter); 13. Measuring and perceiving changes in oral complexity, accuracy and fluency: Examining instructed learners' short-term gains (by Tonkyn, Alan Paul); 14. The development of complexity, accuracy and fluency in the written production of L2 French (by Gunnarsson, Cecilia); 15. A longitudinal study of complexity, accuracy and fluency variation in second language development (by Ferraris, Stefania); 16. Epilogue (by Housen, Alex); 17. Index