In:Complexity Theory and Language Development: In celebration of Diane Larsen-Freeman
Edited by Lourdes Ortega and ZhaoHong Han
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 48] 2017
► pp. 11–50
Chapter 1Complexity Theory
The lessons continue
Published online: 1 November 2017
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.48.02lar
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.48.02lar
Abstract
Interest in Complexity Theory (CT) is growing. This is not surprising, considering the state of the modern world – its dynamism, interconnectivity, mobile populations, changing climate, pattern of unintentional consequences, space-time compression, and technological innovation. These qualities make the non-reductionist, ecological, dynamic systems view that CT affords appropriate for our post-structural times. This is not to say that CT is without antecedents in history, some of which are mentioned in the chapter. I also relate how I have come to see CT as a metatheory. A metatheory has wide, transdisciplinary implications. Nevertheless, a metatheory still warrants object theories: in the case of second language development, a theory of language and a theory of learning. These are discussed here as thirty aphorisms. Also taken up are additional lessons afforded by the theory, specifically, overcoming dualities, the need to distinguish a focal system from its environment for the purposes of investigation, and how generalizability can be achieved.
Article outline
- Introduction
- Complexity Theory: What is it?
- My connection
- What paradigm is CT attempting to shift?
- Taking stock
- The lessons continue
- Lesson 1.CT invites us to “interrogate dichotomies” (Morin, 2007). How can we do this and what can we learn from doing so?
- Lesson 2.If everything is connected to everything else, how can you distinguish a system from its environment?
- Lesson 3.If we reject simple linear causality, do we have to give up on generalizability?
- Conclusion
Acknowledgements Notes References
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