Second Language Development from a Dynamic Systems Theory Perspective

Abstract

This paper deals with existing theoretical findings in the research field of SLA from a Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) perspective, efforts of constructing a second language index of development, as well as with the emergence of theoretical pluralism, that led to disclosure of similarities between complex nonlinear systems occurring in natural environment and those occurring during the second language acquisition. Furthermore, new research methods and techniques of measuring complexity, accuracy and fluency in second language development (SLD) are presented (e. g. moving min–max method, progmax–regmin method, critical frequency method, etc.), followed by a brief overview of the most recent studies regarding Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) and complementary theories such as Chaos/Complexity Theory (C/CT), Complex adaptive system theory (CAS) and Complex systems supra-theory.