The Influences of Learners' Basic Attributes and Learning Histories on L2 Speech Fluency: A Case Study of Japanese and Chinese Learners of English

Although the importance of fluency in L2 use by learners is widely acknowledged, what determines fluency and how we can develop fluency is not necessarily clear. In the current study, we examined the influences of sixteen indices of basic attributes and learning history of Japanese and Chinese learners of English on their L2 speech fluency. Our quantitative analyses revealed that speech fluency changes substantially according to the nationality of speakers and it is also influenced by elements such as L2 use outside school and instruction by native speakers. On the basis of our findings, we make some suggestions regarding what teachers can do to help learners develop their speech fluency. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.