Chaos/ Complexity Theory in Second Language Acquisition

System theory explores items in terms of their internal connectivities (interactions) and external relationships with their surroundings. It is argued that EFL research should be built on recent advances in scientific thinking and adopt systems theory for the purposes of investigating the English language classroom so that a more comprehensive picture of the factors involved in learning can be drawn. Unlike some traditional scientific approaches that analyze systems in isolation, chaos / complexity theory (C / CT) considers the synthesis of emerging wholes of their individual components. From unpredictable interactions larger structures emerge, taking on new forms. In this article, a brief look at chaos / complexity theory and its application on second language acquisition as a dynamic and complex process is evaluated. While doing that, Larsen-Freeman’s (1997) work is used as the main text for discussion.