Review of Language Learning Environments: Spatial Perspectives on SLA

Based on one of the central tenets of chaos/complexity theory (Larsen-Freeman, 1997) indicating the “interconnectedness of a variety of variables,” numerous contextual elements come into play in any discussion of the evolving field of SLA and learning environments. There has been a rich variety of research in the literature over the past two decades on the role of the environment in second language acquisition, serving as an effective entry point to approach the study of the SLA process. Concerning the role of context, Larsen-Freeman’s chaos theory indicates that internal and external elements interact with learning; this emphasizes the intricacy of spatial, contextual, interdisciplinary, and intra-disciplinary factors and the effect they exert on language learning, thus laying the basis for SLA. The general underlying concept of the book is to clarify the move from the state of being to one of how complex spatial and environmental elements affect the whole body of SLA. It is a readable 165 pages filled with rich academic insights. I would like to elaborate on the main tenets of various chapters and outline the benefits that may be gained from reading the book.