Fixed and Dynamic Predictors of Willingness to Communicate in L2: A Review on New Paradigms of Individual Differences

Abstract

Willingness to communicate (WTC), a recent affective construct of SLA research, has experienced a paradigm shift regarding its nature. Current WTC research tends to define it as a dynamic and context-bound structure rather being in a linear and static disposition. New conceptualization is based on Complex Dynamic System (CDS) theory. This theory has been applied to SLA research to explain dynamic, non-linear and complex nature of SLA process. The convenience of CDS theory’s basic principles has led existing WTC structure to be re-shaped and revised to define it as a dynamic structure in contrast to its former definition which would recall WTC as a static and trait-like variable.