A neural model for CDST: Resonance, attunement, and prosodic transfer in L2 development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal27654Keywords:
L2 prosody, L2 development, neural resonance theory, complex dynamic systemsAbstract
We employ the vocabulary of attractor states and coupled subsystems used by Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST), offering a dynamical systems modelling account of how L2 prosody learning could take place at the neural level. Specifically, we propose a mechanism accounting for L1 prosodic attractor states constraining the perception of L2 prosody, with individual differences. Our perspective is based on Neural Resonance Theory, as a potential complement to CDST.
Downloads
References
Bates, E., & MacWhinney, B. (1989). Functionalism and the Competition Model. In B. MacWhinney & E. Bates (Eds.), The cross-linguistic study of sentence processing (pp. 3-73). CUP.
Beckner, C., Blythe, R., Bybee, J., Christiansen, M. H., Croft, W., Ellis, N.C., Holland, J., Ke, J., Larsen-Freeman, D., & Schoenemann, T. (2009). Language is a complex adaptive system: Position paper. Language Learning, 59, Suppl. 1, 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2009.00533.x
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2013). The development of L2 oral language skills in two L1 groups: A 7-year study. Language Learning, 63, 163–185. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12000
Falcke, H. (2025). Zwischen Urknall und Apokalypse. Die grosse Geschichte unseres Planeten [Between the Big Bang and the Apocalypse: The Grand History of Our Planets]. Klett-Cotta.
Hulstijn, J.H. (2002). Towards a unified account of the representation, processing and acquisition of second language knowledge. Second Language Research, 18, 193-223. https://doi.org/10.1191/0267658302sr207oa
Levelt, W. J. M. (1990). De connectionistische mode (The connectionist fashion). In P. Van Hoogstraten (Ed.), Belofte en werkelijkheid: Sociale wetenschappen en informatisering (pp. 39-68). Swets & Zeitlinger.
Lowie, W.M. (2026). A complex dynamic systems approach to L2 development as a metatheory of language learning and teaching. Dutch Journal of Applied Linguistics 15: https://doi.org/10.51751/dujal26925, reprinted with permission from Atkinson (2025).
MacWhinney, B. (Ed.) (1999). The emergence of language. Erlbaum.
McClelland, J.L. (2015). Capturing gradience, continuous change, and quasi-regularity in sound, word, phrase, and meaning. In B. MacWhinney & W. O’Grady (Eds.), The handbook of language emergence (pp. 53-80). Wiley. ttps://doi.org/10.1002/9781118346136.ch2
McClelland, J. L. (2022). Capturing advanced human cognitive abilities with deep neural networks. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 26(12), 1047-1050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.018
Mufwene, S., Coupé, C., & Pellegrino, F. (Eds.) (2017). Complexity in language: Developmental and evolutionary perspectives. CUP. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781107294264.001
Newmeyer, F. J. & Preston, L. B. (Eds) (2014). Measuring grammatical complexity. OUP. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199685301.001.0001
Pallotti (2022) (2021 online). Cratylus’ silence: On the philosophy and methodology of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory in SLA. Second Language Research, 38(3), 689-701. https://doi-org.proxy.uba.uva.nl/10.1177/0267658321992451
Peng, H., Lowie, W., & and Jager, S. (2022). Unravelling the idiosyncrasy and commonality in L2 developmental processes: A time-series clustering methodology. Applied Linguistics, 43(5), 891–911. https://doi.org/10.1093/applij/amac011
Rumelhart, D., & McClelland, J. (Eds.). (1986). Parallel distributed processing, volume 2: Explorations in the microstructure of cognition: Psychological and biological models. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/5237.001.0001
Rowland, C. F., Westermann, G., Theakston, A. L., Pine, J. M., Monaghan, P., & Lieven, E. V. (202). Constructing language: A framework for explaining acquisition. Trends in cognitive sciences, 30(1), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2025.05.015
Sampson, G., Gil, D., & Trudgill, P. (Eds.) (2009). Language complexity as an evolving variable. OUP. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780199545216.001.0001
Thelen, E., & Smith, L.B. (1994) A dynamic systems approach to the development of cognition and action. MIT Press. https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/2524.003.0003
Van Dijk, M., Lowie, W., Smit, N., Verspoor, M., & van Geert, P. (2025). Complex dynamic systems theory as a foundation for process-oriented research on second language development. Second Language Research, 41(4), 805-819. https://doi.org/10.1177/02676583241246739
Verspoor, M., Lowie, W., & Wieling, M. (2021). L2 Developmental measures from a dynamic perspective. In B. Le Bruyn & M. Paquot (Eds.), Learner corpus research meets second language acquisition (pp. 172–190). CUP. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108674577.009
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Eleanor Harding, Matt Coler

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.