Chapter published in:

Cross-theoretical Explorations of Interlocutors and their Individual Differences
Edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 53] 2020
► pp. 248–266

Chapter 10. Synthesizing cross-theoretical explorations of interlocutors and their individual differences

Laura Gurzynski-Weiss | Indiana University

The theoretical and empirical contributions of this current volume are united in their efforts to examine interlocutors and their individual differences. In this final chapter, I demonstrate how the four approaches – the cognitive-interactionist approach (Philp & Gurzynski-Weiss; Pawlak); sociocultural theory (Lantolf; Back); the variationist approach (Geeslin; Long & Geeslin); and complex dynamic systems theory (Larsen-Freeman; Serafini) – while, on the surface may appear to be markedly different, are all moving in harmony towards a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of interlocutors and their individual differences. I will also discuss how this shared advancement provides a more accurate picture of the complex influences that affect second language development. Finally, I will highlight the trends and areas for future research common across all approaches, providing concrete suggestions for those interested in conducting research on this topic.

Published online: 21 January 2020
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.53.10gur

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