Coh-Metrix를 활용한 한국·일본·중국인 EFL 학습자의 영어 에세이에 나타난 언어적 특성 비교 분석

• Published in: 영어어문교육 Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 173 - 199
• Main Author: 정혜녕(Hyenyeong Chung), 전문기(Moongee Jeon)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 한국영어어문교육학회 30.06.2025; The English Teathers Association in Korea
• Subjects: 영어와문학; 동아시아 EFL 학습자; 영어 글쓰기; 문화 간 비교; Coh-Metrix; cross-cultural comparison; English essay writing; 코메트릭스; East Asian EFL learners
• ISSN: 1226-2889

This study examined the linguistic differences in English essays written by EFL learners from Korea, Japan, and China, with a focus on the influence of cultural and linguistic backgrounds on second language writing. The study used Coh-Metrix, an automated text analysis tool, to examine lexical, syntactic, and discourse-level features, as well as overall text readability. The results showed that Chinese learners tended to use more abstract and syntactically complex language, while Japanese learners favored simpler vocabulary and more self-oriented expressions. Korean learners demonstrated a style that was more oriented towards structure and function words, and that frequently used nouns and verbs. These patterns appear to stem from the cultural norms and educational contexts of each country. For example, China’s test-oriented approach to teaching, Japan’s high-context communication style, and Korea’s focus on information-driven writing were evident in their English essays. The study also highlights the usefulness of Coh-Metrix as a computational tool for identifying nuanced cross-cultural differences in English texts produced by second language learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Ultimately, the study suggests that this approach could broaden the methodological scope of L2 writing research and provide practical insights for writing instruction, intercultural comparisons, and curriculum development. KCI Citation Count: 0