L2 textbook input and L2 written production: a case of Korean locative postposition–verb construction

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates how L2 learners of Korean in foreign language-learning environments manifest the target knowledge as a function of various factors surrounding the learners (e.g., L2 textbook input, language-specific properties, general language-use experience in class), specifically concerning the learners’ written production of the postposition–verb pair in a locative postposition–verb construction. For this purpose, we analyze two textbook types and learner writing from two L1 groups, focusing on postposition/verb use, Type–Token Ratio, and keyness. We find some meaningful relationships, but also inconsistencies, between L2 textbook input and L2 written production regarding this construction. We discuss implications of the findings with respect to how L2 knowledge is shaped at the interface of L2-textbook characteristics, language-specific properties involving the target knowledge, learners’ L1, and general language-use experience in class. Based on the results, we also discuss pedagogical implications, with emphasis on (methods and technologies of) utilizing the existing corpora for instructional purposes.