Complexity in Multilingualism (Research)

Abstract

Does complexity make multilingualism special? Since there is no unequivocal notion of complexity on which researchers agree, several characteristics that have been considered crucial for complexity are brought to bear on multilingualism. While multilingualism is fairly complex in some senses, for instance, because it requires that many variables be studied, it is less clear whether multilingualism becomes special in this way. The most salient possible way in which multilingualism might be special due to its complexity is that qualitatively new features emerge as we move from mono-or bilingualism to multilingualism. While research in mathematics and physics has shown examples in which novel features emerge at a certain level, related results are not easily transferred to multilingualism. This is shown by analyzing the application of dynamic systems theory to multilingualism by Herdina and Jessner. It is ultimately a matter of empirical research whether there are suitable novel features that make multilingualism special.

Applying Complex Dynamic Systems Theory to Identify Dynamic Properties of Plurilingual Repertoires

“…As for theoretical limitations, we must first recognize that this study examined CDST constructs as they are hypothesized to apply to multi-/ plurilingualism by theorists like Herdina and Jessner (2002) and Larsen-Freeman and Cameron (2008a). As such, the validity of this study's results should be weighed against critiques arguing that the foundational models that apply CDST to language (e.g., DMM by Herdina & Jessner, 2002) are insufficient given their ambiguity or inability to describe key constructs like state transitions (see Beisbart, 2021, for a more detailed overview).…”

“…An alternative perspective is that there are still unresolved theoretical constraints on what should count as emergence in applied linguistics. For example, offering a view from outside SLA, Beisbart (2021) argues that the field has not yet come to a common understanding of the term "emergence," which echoes Berthele and Udry's (2019) argument that evidence for the construct is often "formulated on purely theoretical grounds" (p. 14).…”

“…For example, when explaining why she thought knowing English (her L2) made learning Italian (her L4) easier, Coralie demonstrated an awareness of semiotics that she felt was consequential: "The ability to be like … this item is represented by two words, or this action is represented by two words, like the ability to understand that concept … is instrumental." To explain why these reported insights cannot yet be confidently reported as emergence, one could support Beisbart's (2021)…”

Multilingualism of Shanghai Indigenous Residents

“…The definition of multilingualism then varies based on different research backgrounds and study objectives towards individuals and society, which is regarded as one of the complexities of multilingualism (Beisbart, 2021). For example, Kemp (2009) purely defined that multilingualism is the use of three or more languages (p. 11), which is a widespread global phenomenon.…”