A Systematic Review of Second Language Acquisition from the Perspective of Complex Dynamic System Theory

Abstract

From the Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) point of view, second language development has unpredictable and non-linear patterns that vary from learner to learner. Keeping track of such dynamic development requires longitudinal studies with sufficient data points. The present systematic literature review attempts to present an overview on the previously conducted longitudinal studies that have investigated the development of second language subsystems from the CDST perspective. Starting from 1884 publications, the systematic searching strategy led to 45 articles which were examined in order to highlight the state of the art. The observations of the reviewed studies are conclusively supportive of the CDST principles in second language development. The synthesis of the findings of the papers will be presented and, finally, a multitude of suggestions for further research will be provided which can help future studies clarify the existing gaps that exist in the literature.