From Struggle to Mastery: Writing as a Transformative Skill in Second Language Learning
Keywords:
Writing, second language, skill development, communicationAbstract
Writing is a complex and multifaceted ability that underpins effective communication and learning. This research article examines its mechanics, significance in learning, and role in second language instruction. Writing, as a productive language skill, requires mastery of linguistic, technical, and organizational aspects to achieve coherence and cohesion. The article explores writing’s evolution from being viewed as a mere supplement to speech to becoming a powerful tool for dialogue, learning, and self-expression. It highlights the challenges faced by second language learners in mastering writing skills, particularly the interplay between limited language exposure, cognitive load, and lack of pedagogical focus. Simultaneously, it emphasises the opportunities that targeted interventions, such as structured writing tasks and feedback mechanisms, provide to overcome these challenges. Writing fosters critical and creative thinking, and its pedagogical approaches—both product and process—are integral to developing proficiency. This study serves as a foundational exploration of writing as a critical skill, offering insights into its complexities and its indispensable role in second language education.
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