Citations in search of a purpose: Source use and authorial voice in L2 student writing

摘要: Although much of the research into source use by international students has tended to focus on issues plagiarism, there recently been recognition that their difficulties in this respect may be more pedagogical than moral. However, remains known about nature such students? use. In order throw light ways which novice L2 writers material writing and understand what they experience, paper reports a small case study involving group Japanese postgraduate students. Analysis five Pre-Master?s dissertations written these students, as well interviews conducted with writers, revealed varied ability handle effectively. many cases, appeared symptomatic weak authorial stance apparent lack clear argument. Based findings, concludes recommendation instruction greater extent its rhetorical function constructing knowledge.