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  • © 2020

Individual Differences in Language Learning

A Complex Systems Theory Perspective

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Draws on a Complex Systems Theory perspective to introduce and examine interconnected learner variables
  • Rigorously attends to the theory underlying each topic, countering past criticisms of the individual difference field
  • Includes discussion questions, follow-up tasks, examples of real empirical studies, and suggested research topics
  • Written in an accessible and reader-friendly style, with an extensive glossary of key terms

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Table of contents (13 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xviii
  2. Individual Differences: An Overview

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 1-9
  3. Age

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 11-27
  4. Sex/Gender

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 29-45
  5. Race/Ethnicity/Nationality/Culture

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 47-62
  6. Aptitude

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 63-79
  7. Personality

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 81-96
  8. Learning Style

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 97-112
  9. Language Learning Strategies

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 113-129
  10. Autonomy

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 131-148
  11. Beliefs

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 149-164
  12. Affect

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 165-180
  13. Motivation

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 181-196
  14. A Holistic View

    • Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç
    Pages 197-211
  15. Back Matter

    Pages 213-220

About this book

This textbook takes a Complex Systems Theory approach to examine individual differences between learners and the potential impact of these variables on the process of acquiring a second language. The authors argue that individual variables cannot provide the complete picture, and that they must instead be understood as part of an interconnected and dynamic system of different factors in order to be useful in a language learning context. Written in an accessible style and suitable for final-year undergraduate and Masters-level students, the book includes clear definitions of key terms, discussion questions for classroom use, practical exercises and activities, and examples of real empirical studies that students and teachers can replicate in their own contexts. This textbook will be of interest to students taking TESOL and SLA courses and modules, as well as those on broader Applied Linguistics programmes. 

Authors and Affiliations

  • Girne American University, Girne/Kyrenia, North Cyprus

    Carol Griffiths

  • Department of Education, University of Bath, Bath, UK

    Adem Soruç

About the authors

Carol Griffiths is Associate Professor at Girne American University, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Adem Soruç is Assistant Professor teaching on the MA TESOL and MA EMI programmes at the University of Bath, UK. 


Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Individual Differences in Language Learning

  • Book Subtitle: A Complex Systems Theory Perspective

  • Authors: Carol Griffiths, Adem Soruç

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52900-0

  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • eBook Packages: Education, Education (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-52899-7Published: 02 December 2020

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-52900-0Published: 01 December 2020

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XVIII, 220

  • Topics: Language Education, Language Teaching, Self and Identity, Teaching and Teacher Education, English

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access