A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory perspective on speaking in second language development

L2 speaking is a challenging area of research due to the wide variety of relevant factors that shape the process in different ways and at different timescales. This chapter provides insights into the development of second language speaking from a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory perspective. This chapter sketches the dynamic nature of the developmental process and discusses methodological issues in analyzing data from this perspective leading to several recommendations about doing research into L2 speaking. One of the most important conclusions is that the process of L2 speaking is essentially individually owned and that most insight into this process can be expected from longitudinal case studies with dense data collected at a high frequency