Perturbation across the lifespan: Learning, disorder, rehabilitation, and ageing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal27647Keywords:
complex dynamic systems theory, language development, perturbations, individual variabilityAbstract
This article extends Lowie's CDST framework by proposing a typology of perturbations in language development. Drawing on research across trial-level learning, emotional states, sensory degradation, speech disorders, and ageing, we show perturbations vary along four dimensions: timescale (milliseconds to decades), nature (discrete or continuous), origin (external or internal), and directionality (facilitative, maladaptive, or redirectable). Understanding perturbations as richly differentiated forces has direct methodological and pedagogical implications for supporting language development across the lifespan.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vass Verkhodanova, Sybrine Bultena, Anna Pot, Marita K. Everhardt, Merel Keijzer
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