Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

A Literature Review of Second Language (L2) Oral Fluency

Lijuan ZhangNanjing University of Finance & Economics Hongshan College Gaoyuan ZhangNanjing University of Finance & Economics Hongshan College*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This review aims to sort out and analyze the current research status of second language (L2) oral fluency. This paper defines the multidimensional concept of fluency, and summarizes the key factors affecting the development of fluency, such as the transfer effect of first language (L1) fluency, task repetition and time pressure, conceptualization difficulty, emotion and willingness, as well as vocabulary knowledge and teaching intervention. The study finds that although the academic circle has reached a consensus on the core dimensions of L2 fluency (such as speech rate, pauses, and repairs), there are still many controversies in different studies regarding the weight of specific indicators, the interaction among various factors, and the relationship between fluency and other language abilities. Finally, this paper points out the shortcomings of existing research and future research directions.

Keywords: Second language oral fluency; Fluency transfer; Task repetition; Conceptualization difficulty
Published: July 6, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.35099
Volume: CHR Vol.116
pp. 26-34
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