| This study investigated language switching in second language (L2) writing, focusing on relations between frequencies of language switching and L2 proficiency, purposes for language-switching behaviors, and relations between language switching and writing procedures. Eight adult Chinese-speaking ESL (English as a second language) learners with 2 differing levels of proficiency in English performed 2 writing tasks: an informal personal letter and an argument essay. Data were think-aloud protocols, retrospective interviews, questionnaires, and written compositions. Language-switching frequencies were similar across groups and tasks but varied slightly by L2 proficiency. Participants switched languages for similar purposes while composing the two writing tasks, but participants with a low or high proficiency level switched to their L1 using different approaches to their writing processes. |
