A Dynamic System Theory Approach To The Development Pattern In Chinese College Students' Second Language Writing

In recent years, the theoretical and the application research on lexical chunk has caught more and more attention. Although lexical chunk plays a key role in language acquisition, it is difficult for language learners to master. The in-depth research about the lexical chunk acquisition is still rare. It is mainly due to the lack of the support theory and the suitable method. With the development of the dynamic system theory, a new perspective is provided for the study of lexical chunk acquisition process. Compared with the traditional cognitive theory, dynamic system theory focuses on the development process and believes that the language development is dynamic and non- linear and that various factors may play a role in the language development. Dynamic system theory challenges the linear model of language development and provides a new framework and perspective for the language acquisition.Analyzing lexical chunk acquisition rules of second language learners by using dynamic systems theory approach, it is believed that second language development is dynamic and complex and it is the result of various factors. The research on Chinese college students' second language writing under the framework of dynamic system theory aims to provide useful and meaningful reference for teachers and researchers in teaching concept and teaching method.The research carries out a case study for one year of four Junior English major students in Tianjin University. The four students are under the same teaching mode at school. Each week, students are required to complete an English composition to summarize and review the text. There are given topics but no length requirement for each composition. The researchers read each composition and point out the errors and mistakes in each of them. The results show that(1) Intra- lingual factors have different relationships with lexical chunk density development and the interaction between lexical chunk density and CAF is dynamically changing. Sometimes they are mutually supported and sometimes they are competitive. No particular subsystem of language has a priority.(2) Even though there is a great deal of variation of participants' second language development, there are times of more or less inherent stability in lexical chunk density and CAF dimensions over time, as we call it “attractor state” or “strange attractor” of the second language dynamic system. The learners do not experience the same path; therefore the future development of the system cannot be predicted.(3) The intensity of the competitive relationship between complexity and flexibility, complexity and accuracy is developing along the lexical chunk density. Since the limited language resource must be allocated in the subsystem of the language development, the more attention paid to the lexical chunk, the less attention is left for the rest language subsystems.(4) Individual language development patterns are va riegated, because it is the product of dynamic adaptation to a specific context. Slight differences in the relative factors lead to significant differences between individuals in their language outcomes.(5) The “messy little details” show the nature of flexibility, variety and dynamical adaptation of the second language development patterns, and such “noise” is shared by each individual in their language acquisition process.