Mapping Knowledge Domains in Second Language Writing Research: A Citation Network Analysis

• Published in: Korea Journal of English Language and Linguistics Vol. 23; pp. 131 - 158
• Main Author: Lim, Hyun-Woo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 한국영어학회 2023
• Subjects: 영어와문학; citation network analysis; second language writing; mapping knowledge domains; CitNetExplorer
• ISSN: 1598-1398; 2586-7474
• DOI: 10.15738/kjell.23..202302.131

This study conducted citation network analysis to illuminate knowledge domains in second language (L2) writing research, as reflected in literature citation patterns. The data comprised 2,316 research articles during the period 1990-2021. CitNetExplorer software was employed to calculate citation interconnectivity and visualize the citation network. Cluster analysis of the citation network identified 14 research topics and 25 subtopics. The results indicated that the most frequently researched topics included feedback, linguistic features as a predictor of L2 writing proficiency, collaboration, individual differences in writing behavior, and voice construction and metadiscourse. The least frequently researched topicsreflected research intereststhat are emerging or underrepresented in L2 writing research. Topics such as multimodal composing and machine translation demonstrated growing research interest in multimodality and new digital literacies. The results also raised the question of whether L2 writing research lacked focus on young learners, real-life writing tasks, and L2 writing concerns in specific cultural contexts. Limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed. KCI Citation Count: 0