CAF (complexity, accuracy, and fluency)

CAF (complexity, accuracy, and fluency)

1. Origin

   • 1979s L2 researchers turned to metrics of grammatical complexity, accuracy, developed in L1 acquisition research.

2. Definitions

   • Complexity
     • The ability to use a wide a varied range of sophisticated structures and vocabulary in L2
   • Accuracy
     • The ability to produce target-like and error-free language
   • Fluency
     • The ability to produce the L2 native-like rapidity, pausing, hesitation or reformulation

3. Factors that affect CAF

   • Internal Linguistic Factors
     • Linguistic phenomena
   • Relevant External Factors
     • Personality factors, socio-affective factors, and Cognitive factors