The Tension between Accuracy and Fluency of l2 Speech: Evidence from Communicative Tasks

Abstract

The study is based on the assumption that communicative approaches foster the development of L2 fl uency more than that of accuracy. The impact of repeated communicative tasks on the speech production of five learners was analyzed in terms of accuracy and fl uency of L2 speech. Two instruments of data collection were used in a pre/post-test design: an unfocused speaking task to elicit fluency and a focused speaking task to elicit accuracy. Data were transcribed and analyzed mostly qualitatively, although a comparison of test scores was made. Results of the study suggest trade-off effects between accuracy and fluency of learners’ L2 speech production.