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Second Language Developmental Dynamics: How Dynamic Systems Theory Accounts for Issues in Second Language Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2013

Rosmawati Open the ORCID record for Rosmawati [Opens in a new window]
Rosmawati*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Rosmawati, Education Annexe, A36, Room 2a13, Faculty of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia. Email: rosm4575@uni.sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

Dynamic systems theory (DST) is presented in this article as a suitable approach to research the acquisition of second language (L2) because of its close alignment with the process of second language learning. Through a process of identifying and comparing the characteristics of a dynamic system with the process of L2 learning, this article illustrates that L2 development is indeed a dynamic process. This article argues that DST has not only broadened the theoretical perspective, but also enriched the practical and methodological approaches in the second language developmental research enterprise. DST has the potential to bridge the gap between reductionist and holistic research practice in the Second Language Acquisition (SLA) field and to advance our understanding of L2 acquisition and development. This article argues that incorporating DST into cross-disciplinary inquiries will strengthen its practical application. It concludes by pointing out some directions to apply this framework and to expand beyond its current state.

Keywords

language developmentdynamic systems theorysecond language learningparadigm shiftdevelopmental perspectives

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Type
Articles
Information
The Educational and Developmental Psychologist , Volume 31 , Issue 1 , July 2014 , pp. 66 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © Australian Psychological Society Ltd 2013 

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