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Part of
Complexity Theory and Language Development: In celebration of Diane Larsen-Freeman
Edited by Lourdes Ortega and ZhaoHong Han
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 48] 2017
► pp. 209–232

Chapter 10
Energy conservation in SLA

The simplicity of a complex adaptive system

| Teachers College, Columbia University
| Columbia University
| The College of New Jersey

This chapter takes a system view on second language (L2) development. However, unlike proponents of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) viewing the developmental system as ever dynamic without a finite state, we take up a long-standing observation about a signature L2 phenomenon, inter-learner differential attainment, and theorize about its ontology. Drawing on a fundamental physics law, the Law of Conservation of Energy – importantly, not only conceptually but also mathematically – we lay out the key parameters and their interactional relationship in engineering L2 differential attainment. The parameters include aptitude, motivation, L2 input, and L1-TL distance, all of them interacting over time vis-à-vis the developmental positioning of the learner once s/he enters the field of learning, another concept key to the system view we expound in this chapter. The resulting theory, Energy Conservation Theory in L2 or ECT-L2, promises broad descriptive, explanatory, and predictive powers. We discuss the theory in conjunction with CDST, arguing for their complementarity.

Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Complex system, complexity theory, and L2 development
  • An SLA-unique phenomenon and key variables
  • Energy conservation in L1A (ECT-L2)
    • Scenario A
    • Scenario B
    • Scenario C
  • A close-up of interconnectedness and self-adaptation
  • Discussion
  • Conclusions
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 1 November 2017
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.48.11han
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