L2 writing: subprocesses, a model of formulating and empirical findings

Recent writing research has been heavily influenced by Hayes and Flowerʹs model of the L1 writing process with its emphasis on planning and a certain disregard of the formulating component (“translating”). Its structure has been largely maintained in Börnerʹs model of L2 writing, despite some necessary additions. On the basis of a variety of different learner data (L1 German, L2 English), we propose an alternative model of the L2 writing process in which the central formulating component is substantially elaborated through the introduction of several functionally discrete subprocesses. The data stress the importance of tentative formulations in the writing process, and call for a partial revision of the oft-cited assumption that writing is re-writing. They also suggest only a minor influence of the L1 on L2 formulating.