A Discussion of Studies in CDST: An Introduction

Abstract

In this special issue on Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST), four empirical studies (by Ahmed, Choe, Ciriani Dean, and Van Horn) investigate interlanguage through a CDST perspective. As a way of extending the discussion on CDST, students in the Second Language Acquisition (SLA) doctoral seminar in the Applied Linguistics and TESOL Program at Teachers College, Columbia University were asked to select and discuss one empirical study published in the current issue, reflecting on the following: the theoretical viewpoint, the findings, the methodology, and/or the significance and implications. In response, three papers were submitted to the present forum.

Keywords

• Complex Dynamic Systems Theory
• CDST
• Interlanguage
• Second language acquisition
• Applied linguistics