A Study of Language Simplification in Second Language Writing from the Perspective of Psycholinguistics
Xi Chen · Shanxi nongye daxue xuebao. Ziran kexue ban · 2012
A L2 writing test among college freshmen is conducted to analyze the phenomenon of language simplification.It is found that unfamiliar bilinguals tend to use a larger proportion of high-frequency words,simplex and parataxis compared to familiar bilinguals.According to the theory of lexical access and syntax access in psycholinguistics,it is the limit of test time and working memory that forces unfamiliar bilinguals to abandon indirectly accessed low-frequency words and embedded clauses in language formation,and resort to familiar words and syntax,which consequently leads to language simplification in L2 writing.In order to solve this problem,product approach and process approach should both be adopted in L2 writing course;meanwhile,outline and sample text will help to alleviate the burden of working memory and increase word and syntax diversity.