Language-switching, Language Proficiency and Task Difficulty: A study on Writing Performance

Abstract

Language - switching in L2 writing may be defined as any non – instructed use of the first language during the L2 writing process (Cumming, 1989). In a protocol analysis of L2 writing from 20 adult EFL Iranian students, this research observed how language-switching (L-S), i.e., L1 use in L2 writing, was affected by L2 proficiency and task difficulty. ANOVA results suggest that language proficiency could not affect sharply on language-switching process when we consider it in the inter group relationship (Z= 0.968)1 but when we consider language proficiency in the intra group relationship (P=0.01). On the other hand, more difficult tasks increased the duration of L1 use in L2 writing (P=0.01)