Cognitive Control and Executive Function in Advanced Second-Language Writing

Abstract

Second-language (L2) writing is a complex cognitive process that involves coordination between linguistic knowledge, metacognitive strategies, and executive control mechanisms. Executive functions (EF) including working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control play a crucial role in regulating language output and managing interference from the first language (L1). This study investigates the interaction between executive functions and language control in advanced L2 writers. Through a mixed-method approach combining behavioral tasks and writing assessments, the study examines how variations in EF predict writing fluency, accuracy, and complexity. Findings suggest that stronger EF capacities correlate with enhanced language control, particularly in tasks requiring syntactic flexibility and lexical retrieval under cognitive load. The implications of these findings highlight the cognitive underpinnings of advanced L2 writing and provide guidance for pedagogical interventions aimed at optimizing writing proficiency.