Journal of Basic Writing 22.2 (2003)

Defining basic writers is becoming increasingly complex as the linguistic and cultural diversity of the college student population continues to intensify. Because the definition of basic writers influences whose needs are considered and whose needs are not, it is important to examine how basic writers are conceptualized in the disciplinary practices of basic writing. This historical article documents how the presence of second language writers has been reflected—or not reflected—in the definition of basic writers over the last four decades and highlights the importance of defining basic writers in ways that includes all students who are subject to the disciplinary and instructional practices of basic writing.

Matsuda, P. K. (2003). Basic writing and second language writers: Toward an inclusive definition. Journal of Basic Writing, 22(2), 67-89.