Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 17. Number 2, June 2026 Pp.290-309

Longitudinal Profiling of Chinese EFL Learners’ Lexical Frequency in Writing

School of Foreign Studies
Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, China

Corresponding Author: lou_xx@163.com

Jimei University, Xiamen, China.

Corresponding Author: tomcm0606@gmail.com

Guanghui Ma

Faculty of Foreign Studies
Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China

Abstract:

This study aims to observe how EFL learners’ vocabulary develops across different frequency levels synchronically and across four semesters diachronically. To do so, it analyzes 299 Chinese EFL learners’ compositions using the Lexical Frequency Profile (LFP) method, involving as many as 20 different frequency levels of words. The study found that, synchronically, the percentage of words decreases exponentially as their frequency level declines within the first few levels, but fluctuates among the remaining levels. This pattern indicates that the participants’ vocabulary growth generally shifts from the highest frequency level to the lowest, following Zipf’s law, though not completely. Notably, the first few frequency levels combined account for about 95% of the composition: the first 1,000 words show the largest percentage, the second and third levels decrease exponentially, and the rest of the frequency levels contribute insignificantly. Diachronically, the first 1,000 words develop solidly and significantly, contrary to the second and third 1,000-word levels, thereby negating the traditional beyond 2,000-word boundary.

Cite as:

Lou, X., Wu, C. & Ma, G. (2026).  Longitudinal Profiling of Chinese EFL Learners’ Lexical Frequency in Writing. Arab World English Journal, 17(2): 290-309.

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Dr. Xixiang Lou (Ph.D. in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics) is a lecturer of the School of Foreign Language Studies, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou, China. His research includes Second Language Acquisition, Language Testing, Foreign Language Teaching and Learning, English for Academic Purposes, and Corpus Linguistics. Minnan Normal University, No. 36, Xianqianzhi Street, Zhangzhou, Fujian, China, 363000. Email: lou_xx@163.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3080-6684

Guanghui Ma (Ph.D. in English Language and Literature) is a professor at Nanjing Normal University. His scientific interests include Applied Linguistics: Second Language Acquisition, Stylistics in Second Language Writing, and English and Chinese Translation. Faculty of Foreign Studies, Nanjing Normal University. 122, Ninghai Road, Gulou District, Email: mgh@njnu.edu.cn.

Chunming Wu (Ph. D. in Linguistics) is a professor of the School of Foreign Languages, Jimei University, Xiamen, China. His research interests include Syntax, Austronesian Linguistics, Language Teaching and Language Documentation. Zhuang Hanshui Building, No. 183, Yinjiang Road, Jimei District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. 361021.  Email: tomcm0606@gmail.com.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1757-4073