Effects Of First Language On Second Language Writing

The impact of the first language (L1) on second language writing (L2) has long been a heated topic. Of all the researches so far, only a few have touched upon the purposeful use of translation approach in L2 composing, and the conclusions varied due to different subjects, measures, etc. Owing to the fact that translation is a common writing strategy used by many non-English majors, the present research will also deal with the issue and explore the effects of intended translating from L1 draft on L2 writing performance.The study aims to prove whether translating from L1 draft can help L2 writers to produce better writing or not. Through a comparison of essays written in two modes, namely, writing directly and writing through translation of L1 draft, the paper answers two questions: First, is the quality of composition significantly influenced by the writing mode? Second, what do students consider to be the respective advantages and disadvantages of the direct and the translated writing modes?Qualitative analysis of writing samples showed that students' translated writings significantly improved across all three major components of writing, namely, organization, content and style. To be specific, students significantly improved in aspects of variety of sentences, specifics of content, clarity of ideas and, to a lesser degree, ideas development and logical sequence. However, no better vocabulary use was found in the translated writing mode. Quantitative analysis showed that significant increase was found in syntactic complexity but no in terms of fluency in the translated writing and accuracy of the essay was even worse in this mode.The questionnaire responses reveal that most students favor direct writing for the sake of saving time and cultivation of sense of language; however they unconsciously or consciously used Chinese to some degree in direct writing to solve problems either in content or organization...