Kolmogorov complexity metrics in assessing L2 proficiency: An information-theoretic approach.

ABSTRACT: Based on 774 argumentative writings produced by Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, this study examined the extent to which Kolmogorov complexity metrics can distinguish the proficiency levels of beginner, lower-intermediate, and upper-intermediate second language (L2) English learners. Kolmogorov complexity metric is a holistic information-theoretic approach, which measures three facets of linguistic complexity, i.e., overall, syntactic, and morphological complexity simultaneously. To assess its validity in distinguishing L2 proficiency, Kolmogorov complexity metric is compared with traditional syntactic and morphological complexity metrics as well as fine-grained syntactic complexity metrics. Results showed that Kolmogorov overall and syntactic complexity could signific

SUBMITTER: Wang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9583672 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature