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Cross-theoretical Explorations of Interlocutors and their Individual Differences
Edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss
[Language Learning & Language Teaching 53] 2020
► pp. 189–208

Chapter 8
Complexity Theory

Relational systems in interaction and in interlocutor differences in second language development

| University of Michigan

Complexity theorists are interested in understanding the relations among components in a complex system and how individual differences in the components affect their relationship to other components. Specific to our interests here, the ability of speakers to adjust their speech depends on the relationship with the person with whom they interact. Further, all interactions involve mutual influence (Ricca, 2012). Larsen-Freeman and Cameron (2008a) call this bidirectional influence “co-adaptation.”

Existing research on interaction is briefly surveyed before turning to the view of interlocutor interaction that Complexity Theory inspires. Before concluding, research attesting to the effect of interlocutor individual differences (age, experience, sex, status, similarity, identity, first language) is reviewed. Finally, four considerations for enhancing future research on interlocutor individual differences are proposed.

Keywords: affordances, Complexity Theory, co-adaptation, emergent synchrony, socially-induced linguistic coordination
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Interaction: A relational systems perspective
  • Interlocutor individual differences
    • Age
    • Experience
    • Sex
    • Status (in a task)
    • Similarity of interlocutors
    • Identity
    • First language
  • Moving forward in interlocutor research, informed by CDST
    • 1.Isolating IDs and encountering unanticipated ones
    • 2.Temporally and spatially contextualized
    • 3.Emerging and contingent effects
    • 4.Relationships that are reciprocal
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 21 January 2020
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/lllt.53.08lar
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