Exploring the Cross-Language Transfer of L1 Rhetorical Knowledge in L2 Writing: Cognitive and Metacognitive Perspectives

by Xing Wei

Overview

This book addresses the transfer of rhetorical knowledge from a first language (L1) to a second language (L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer), a common cognitive phenomenon in the L2 writing of students in foreign language learning environments. It investigates L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer from a cognitive perspective and examines a specific component of L2 writers’ agency in this transfer, namely metacognition. The book’s ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of the cognitive mechanism of rhetorical transfer across languages. This goal is in turn connected to the need to determine how L1 rhetorical knowledge can be steered and oriented toward successful L2 writing.

To this end, this book proposes a theoretical framework for transfer studies, encompassing the dimensions of text, transfer agency, and L2 essay raters. It facilitates an in-depth exploration of the intricacies involved in L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer. It then presents empirical studies on this transfer. Embracing a dynamic perspective, this book furthers our understanding of interlingual rhetorical transfer as a conscious or intuitive process for making meaning, one that can be monitored and steered. Moreover, it discusses the pedagogical implications for L2 writing instruction that guides students to use metacognition to transfer L1 rhetorical knowledge during L2 writing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789819976362
Publisher:	Springer Nature Singapore
Publication date:	12/02/2023
Edition description:	1st ed. 2023
Pages:	243
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Xing Wei received his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He was subsequently Post-doctoral Fellow at Beijing Foreign Studies University and is currently Lecturer of Applied Linguistics at the School of Foreign Studies, University of Science and Technology Beijing, China. His research interests include foreign language teaching, second language writing, and English for Academic Purposes. His research has mainly been published in Assessing Writing, Journal of English for Academic Purposes, and several leading Chinese journals of foreign language education and applied linguistics.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Rhetorical transfer and writing metacognition.- Chapter 3. Theoretical framework for L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer studies.- Chapter 4. Design and implementation of mixed-methods approach research.- Chapter 5. Exploring L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer and relevant metacognitive knowledge.- Chapter 6. Exploring L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer and relevant metacognitive skills.- Chapter 7. Understanding L1-to-L2 rhetorical transfer from cognitive and metacognitive perspectives.- Chapter 8. Conclusion and implications.