Mercer, Sarah2011-11-232011-11-232011Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 2011, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 57-82.2083-5205http://hdl.handle.net/10593/1463This article explores the potential offered by complexity theories for under-standing language learners’ sense of self and attempts to show how the self might usefully be conceived of as a complex dynamic system. Rather than presenting empirical findings, the article discusses existent research on the self and aims at outlining a conceptual perspective that may inform future studies into the self and possibly other individual learner differences. The article concludes by critically considering the merits of a complexity perspective but also reflecting on the challenges it poses for research.Complexity theoryDynamic systemsLearner differencesThe selfArtykuł