Conjunctions and syntactic complexity: Development of the use of conjunctions in written learner Finnish

Authors

• Taina Mylläri Department of Language and Communication Studies, University of Jyväskylä

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23997/pk.126146

Keywords:

conjunctions, learner Finnish, syntactic complexity

Abstract

Learner language development is often analysed by measuring complexity, accuracy and
fluency. Complexity can be defined as the range and sophistication of the structures available
to the learner, yet syntactic complexity is typically analysed using quantitative measures
tapping subordination. This article focuses on the development of syntactic complexity in
written learner Finnish across the CEFR proficiency levels by exploring changes in the use
of conjunctions. The data are drawn from the corpus of the Jyväskylä University CEFLING
project. The development of syntactic complexity in terms of coordination and subordination
is explored by tracking changes in the use of coordinate and subordinate conjunctions.
Syntactic complexity as the range of forms used by the learner is explored by investigating
the emergence and frequency of individual conjunctions. The results question the role of
subordination in the development of syntactic complexity in learner Finnish, as they show
that both coordinate and subordinate conjunctions are already used by learners on the lowest
CEFR levels. The results also indicate that development in the use of conjunctions may be
different for adult learners and adolescent learners.