Syntactic complexity at multiple proficiency levels of L2 German speech

Syntactic complexity, along with accuracy and fluency, has been proposed as an essential construct in the description of second language proficiency. This study examined three dimensions of complexity using oral data from learners of German at the intermediate, advanced, and superior proficiency levels. The data were examined for complexity by subordination, complexity by coordination, and phrasal complexity. The results showed that all three complexity measures showed different patterns of use as proficiency level rises, which supports the understanding of complexity as a multi‐dimensional construct. The results also showed that mean clause length was the most useful measure for distinguishing between adjacent proficiency levels.