Notes toward a theory of second language writing

William Grabe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

If writing specialists are to take seriously the need for self-reflective practices and critical inquiry, one of the foundations will need to be a theory of writing that can be examined openly and publicly, that can be discussed as an agreed on focus of study, and that can build on, or perhaps withstand, many intuitive, unspoken assumptions about writing and its uses in various settings. An agreed-upon construct of writing practice (or practices) will allow for research results that achieve a greater degree of comparability, more opportunities for convergent research findings, and a set of common terminology and descriptors. Without such foundations, there is little likelihood that research and instruction will develop beyond the current and on-going history of personal preferences, socialized practices that work, and reinvented ideas. This need to develop a common set of terms, understandings, interpretations, and analyses is only a minimal goal for theories of writing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOn Second Language Writing
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages39-57
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9781135660680
ISBN (Print)0805835164, 9780805835151
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2012

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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