Complexity Approaches to Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Abstract

Complexity-theoretical approaches in Applied Linguistics are relatively new, but they hold great promise as an integrative (meta-)theory, provide new ways of hypothesizing about and conceptualizing the complex phenomena of language use and (second) language development, and also require different data gathering and analytical methods. This chapter sketches first the main tenets of a theory of complex adaptive systems (CAS) as it applies to technology-mediated language learning. The investigation of complex adaptive systems in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is in its infancy; a selection of representative CAS studies in CALL will be discussed. As will become apparent, the main challenge for future research in this area is the design and application of robust commensurate research methods. General facets of a CAS methodology in CALL will be outlined and a general direction for future investigation will be given.