An Investigation of Second Language Writers’ Complex Dynamic Systems With Retrodictive Qualitative Modeling: Three Case Studies of Learners of Chinese

Complex dynamic systems theory serves as a theoretical framework for its examination of the second language (L2) writing processes of three learners of Chinese. This study focuses on two research questions: 1. What attractor states do L2 writers encounter within complex dynamic systems and how do they respond to these states in their L2 writing discourses? and 2. What actions of self-organization do L2 writers exercise to co-adapt the complexities in their L2 writing discourses? It adopts retrodictive qualitative modeling, a three-step template for recognition of individuals’ initial conditions, significant events, and attractor states. To analyze data from both linguistic and socio-cultural perspectives, the study draws on Gee to employ three analytic tools—identity, relation, and significance—to answer research questions regarding L2 writers’ attractor states and self-organization. Three research findings show that the initial conditions of L2 writers’ learning contexts affect attractor states, which influence L2 writing proficiency. The study also shows that an unsuccessful cultural repertoire can cause individuals to reposition themselves through acts of self-organization. This study investigates L2 writers’ learning-to-write-processes, garnering insights that may improve L2 writers’ self-directed learning and educators’ instruction and curriculum design.