ERIC Number: ED345497
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1989
Pages: 19
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Three Perspectives on Composing in a Second Language.
Cobb, Victoria
Texas Papers in Foreign Language Education, v1 n3 p226-243 Fall 1989
A discussion of the process of learning to write in a second language (L2) looks at how theory and research on first language (L1) composition and L2 acquisition influence the study of L2 composition. Three perspectives are examined: (1) the approach to writing that focuses on the text itself, including comparison of native L1 and L2 rhetorical patterns; (2) the internal, psychological composing processes in skilled and unskilled writers; and (3) the social, external context of language use and conventions of various discourse types. It is concluded that research in both L1 and L2 composition leaves questions about how one actually learns to write, and that the conclusions that have been reached about what unskilled writers need to do to become skilled writers are not self-evident. In addition, it is argued that because language is both social and psychological, isolating the two gives an incomplete idea of L2 composition, and that the two should be integrated in teaching if not in research. Suggestions for future research into L2 writing include longitudinal studies into how individuals become good writers and further examination of both internal and external variables in writing. A 45-item bibliography is included. (MSE)
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Reports - Evaluative; Journal Articles
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: For the journal as a whole, see FL 019 498.