Complexity theory: Implications for second language learning

This article first begins with a short history of chaos or complexity theory and illustrates the function of complexity systems such as city system, economic and financial systems, transport and population systems, ecological systems, etc. Secondly, stable and unstable states in the movements of the system are explained. In the following sections of the article, seven key concepts of complexity and systems theory such as non-reducibility, open systems, emergent behavior, connectivity, unpredictability and regularity, the avalanche effect, and equifinality are explored and their relevance to language learning is also explained. The article ends with two more issues: explaining some characteristics of classroom systems and their relevance to teaching and learning, and discussing some objections to such learning environments.