Cratylus’ silence
On the philosophy and methodology of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory in SLA
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11655682 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gabriele Pallotti (0000-0001-8599-075X, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 689-701 |
| Publication date | 2021-02-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Second language Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0267-6583 • E-ISSN: 1477-0326 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0267658321992451 |
| OpenAlex | W3130746842 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 13 |
| References cited | 32 |
Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) has received considerable attention over the last decades, inspiring a number of second language acquisition studies. This article examines the research from a critical epistemological point of view, starting from the Greek philosopher Cratylus, who concluded that remaining silent is the only way to be entirely coherent with the idea that everything is complex and dynamic. An alternative to this drastic conclusion may consist in ‘saying without saying too much’, that is, setting some limits to theorizing and empirical inquiry. Problems of description, prediction and generalization in a CDST framework are discussed, pointing to some open issues to be addressed by future research. Finally, some proposals are made for a more constructive research program, which may even involve abandoning the ‘CDST’ label
Cognitive science · Constructive · Constructive proof · Discrete mathematics · Epistemology · Generalization · Linguistics · Metaphysics · Philosophy of language · Point (geometry · Programming language · Silence · Sociology · Computer Science · Educational and Psychological Assessments · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology
The development and trends of complex dynamic systems theory in applied linguistics
Variability as a functional marker of second language development in older adult learners
Network analysis for modeling complex systems in SLA research
Relationality, interconnectedness, and identity
Phonological Vocabulary Size
Impacts of Emotional Intelligence on Second Language Acquisition
SLA as complex, dynamical and predictable
Exploring the Emergence of Global‐Level J‐shaped Patterns From Local‐Level Dynamics in L2 Syntactic Complexity Development
Dangerous dichotomies and misunderstandings in L2 research
Complex dynamic systems theory as a foundation for process-oriented research on second language development
Can dynamical systems theory be applied to second language acquisition? The issues of reductionism and intentionality
Dynamic development of cohesive devices in English as a second language writing
Changes in Language Learners' Affect
A Dynamic Approach to Second Language Development
Variability in Second Language Development From a Dynamic Systems Perspective
Complexity Theory
Dynamic Patterns in Development of Accuracy and Complexity
Stages or Continua in Second Language Acquisition
Complexity A Guided Tour
Some Behaviorial Science Measurement Concerns and Proposals
Variability and Variation in Second Language Acquisition Orders
The philosophical discourse of modernity
Dynamic Paths of Complexity and Accuracy in Second Language Speech
Individual Differences and the Ergodicity Problem
Dynamic Development in Speaking Versus Writing in Identical Twins
Complexity, Deconstruction and Relativism
| Unique citing works | 13 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3,25 |
| Citation span | 2022 - 2026 (5) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 13 |