L2 speaking and its internal correlates

Abstract

The current meta-analysis examines relationships between second-language (L2) speaking (assessed using global ratings) and its internal features, such as fluency and accuracy (assessed using analytic ratings or measures) that were derived by analyzing speaking performance during the same speaking tasks. A synthesis of 39 studies (284 correlations) suggests that internal features are strongly correlated to L2 speaking in general (r = .649) and that the strength of the correlations varies according to oral features (e.g., r = .713 to .888 for fluency, delivery, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and content). The results highlight the relative importance of various internal features in L2 speaking and suggest areas in need of further research.

Evaluating evidence for the reliability and validity of lexical diversity indices in L2 oral task responses

“…Studies have taken two major approaches in providing validity evidence for lexical diversity indices. In the first (and most common) approach, relationships between lexical diversity scores and proficiency scores (broadly construed) are used (Bulté & Roothooft, 2020; Engber, 1995; Jarvis, 2002; Koizumi et al, 2022; Treffers-Daller et al, 2018; Zenker & Kyle, 2021). For example, Engber (1995) investigated the relationship between lexical variety index scores (both including and excluding lexical errors) and holistic judgments of essay quality ( n = 66).…”