This study explores to what extent syntactic complexity as assessed by four types of complexity measures may vary in written, argumentative texts of L2 learners (A2‐B1) and native writers of Dutch, Italian and Spanish. All texts were assessed by calculating both overall complexity measures and more fine‐grained measures that focus on the type and number of coordinate and subordinate structures, and the use of post‐modifiers within the NP. The results of the study indicate that there is variation in the process of gradual complexification in written L2 production across proficiency levels, across languages, and between L2 and L1. In line with findings from earlier research, this study shows the importance of employing both general and more specific complexity measures for assessing syntactic growth in L2.

中文翻译：

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跨熟练程度和语言的句法复杂性：荷兰语、意大利语和西班牙语的 L2 和 L1 写作

本研究探讨了在 L2 学习者 (A2-B1) 和荷兰语、意大利语和西班牙语的母语作家的书面议论文本中，由四种复杂性度量评估的句法复杂性在多大程度上可能有所不同。所有文本都通过计算整体复杂性度量和更细粒度的度量来评估，这些度量侧重于坐标和从属结构的类型和数量，以及在 NP 中使用后修饰符。研究结果表明，书面 L2 生成的逐渐复杂化过程在不同熟练程度、不同语言以及 L2 和 L1 之间存在差异。与早期研究的结果一致，本研究显示了使用一般和更具体的复杂性度量来评估 L2 中的句法增长的重要性。