The Influence Of First Language On EFL Writing For Chinese Non-English Majors

During the last few decades,the influence of learners' L1 on their L2 writing has being a key issue in the field of second language acquisition.This key issue that the influence of learners' L1 on their L2 writing is still controversial,although it has been discussed for almost a half century.Structurism and Behaviorism viewed L1 was the impediment to second language learning,while Coguitivism refuted that L1 impacted L2 learning in a complicated and multifaceted way.However,those questions like how do L2 writers use their L1 in the L2 writing process are largely unanswered.On the one hand,research into L1 use in L2 writing is sparse.An overview of the L2 writing researches shows an overwhelming emphasis on the similarities between L1 and L2 writing processes as well as a borrowing of L1 writing theory to account for L2 writing(Krapels,1991),while differences between L1 and L2 writers are not adequately addressed.One the other hand,studies and discussions on the role of L1 in SLA have long perceived L1 as either positive or negative.Only very recently, researches began to reveal a multifaceted role of L1 in L2 learning and suggest a dynamic,multidimensional approach to the study of L1 influence.As for how L1 facilitates or hinders L2 writing,empirical findings are still inadequate.Therefore,it is still a controversial issue that L1 thinking influences L2 writing.The present thesis will further deal with this topic and explore the influence of L1 thinking on L2 writing.One of the fundamental differences between L1 and L2 writings is that L2 writers,especially those of lower L2 proficiency,may rely extensively on their L1 for cognitive operations,which is not present in L1 writing.The present study makes such an attempt.It addresses the use of L1 in L2 writing,one of the unique features of L2 writing.In order to reveal clearly the bilingual nature of the L2 writing process, detailed depictions are made of how the learners use L1 in various composing activities.The study also examines the effects of learners' perception of cross-linguistic differences to see whether the bilingual nature of the L2 writing process varies with writers' L2 development.In addition,it specifies the functions L1 performs in various aspects of the composition(i.e.,language,organization and content) so as to find out when and where L1 facilitates or hinders L2 writing.It is assumed that revelations of how L1 influences L2 writing will promote our understanding of the nature of L2 writing and ultimately contribute to the development of L2 writing theories.The subjects for this study are sixty non-English-major Chinese university students in Liaoning Normal University.Data in this study are from students' compositions,questionnaires and interviews on their views about L1 thinking in L2 writing.In terms of analysis,the questionnaire-based analyses consisted that the frequency of L1 use is measured to show the L1 use varies at different writing stages. The composition-based analyses consisted that the student compositions are rated, then,a correlation procedure is applied to explore the relationship between L1 use and L2 writing quality;and finally samples are selected for closely examining the L1 use in different language aspects when L2 learners' perception of cross-difference between English and Chinese varies.The major findings of this study are summarized as follows:L2 writing process is a bilingual event where learners have two languages at their disposal when they are composing in L2.Secondly,the role of L1 in L2 writing is not invariable,the tendency of L1 occurrence varies with different L2 writing stages.Thirdly,L2 writing has something to do with the learners' perception of cross-linguistic differences between the two languages when they are at a lower-proficient level.The effect of the writers' L2 development on L1 use is more complicated than expected.It is hoped that findings of this study will contribute to the development of L2 writing theories and a deeper understanding of the role L1 plays in second language acquisition.