Adapting to the circumstances: on discourse competence in L2 Spanish / De la competencia discursiva en español L2 o de cómo adaptarse a las circunstancias

Abstract

To characterize the discourse competence of second language (L2) Spanish speakers, we examine the narrative and expository texts produced by Korean and Moroccan Arabic learners of Spanish considering (1) whether the discourse connectivity patterns and the detachment devices used by these learners can be compared with those observed in the L1; and (2) whether non-native patterns are determined by L2 proficiency level.Results show that the use of different types of connectivity and detachment devices are not related with L2 proficiency level. From very early on, Spanish L2 learners are capable of adapting to the requirements imposed by communicative circumstances: they all produce well-organized texts and are capable of taking a stance when describing specific events. Data analysis indicates the convenience of revising the CEFR criteria for the assessment of L2 competence, and of taking into account learners’ discourse skills in the L1.