The measurement of primary traits in second language oral proficiency in second language acquisition research (2005-2008)

Reaching advanced levels of second language (L2) oral proficiency is a challenge for many adult learners. This project examines how four primary second language traits (i.e. syntactic complexity, lexical range, accuracy and fluency) each contribute to advanced L2 proficiency. An in-depth analysis of 300 speech samples produced by learners of English, Japanese and Spanish will be compared with results taken from independent proficiency measures. Outcomes from this cross-linguistic study will provide insights into the characteristics of advanced L2 oral proficiency. The study will also produce methodological refinements in the measuement of these four primary language traits.