Introducing CEMLA - A New Framework For Understanding Language Acquisition

Using Complexity Theory to Understand the Underpinnings of Human Language Acquisition

Dear Thinkers,

Its been a while since you’ve heard from me here. The reason for that, almost always, is that I am working on something BIG which requires more time and headspace to see to completion. Back in early September, shortly after publishing my previous research essay on the topic of silence, I was struck by an idea. Can we use complexity theory to understand language acquisition better?

I first came across complexity theory back in 2018 when I was in the freshmen year of pursuing my master’s degree in AI. I was (and still am) a subscriber of The Great Courses Plus, and had followed a course called “Understanding Complexity” by Professor Scott E. Page. It was a great introduction to this fascinating field and I was instantly pulled into it. Ever since, I have spent a lot of time exploring complexity theory more formally. My latest work in understanding language acquisition is where all this study finally came to good use.

Language is one of the most complex and fascinating systems. But traditional models of language acquisition often fail to capture its true depth. I asked myself, “What if there’s a way to map out the dynamic, adaptive nature of language learning?” Something that truly reflects the chaotic, ever-evolving process our brains undergo?

So, after putting a month’s work into it, I am happy to share with you today, my latest research into language acquisition. I introduce the Complex Emergent Model of Language Acquisition (CEMLA).

Grounded in principles from complexity theory, CEMLA provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how we acquire language, embracing the non-linear, adaptive, and emergent properties that traditional models overlook.

In this paper, I explore how language acquisition operates at the edge of chaos, driven by feedback loops, phase transitions, and environmental variability. Using complexity theory, I represent how meaning and fluency emerge through the interactions of our neural networks.

Whether you’re a linguistics enthusiast, a cognitive scientist, or just curious about the mysteries of human communication, this paper offers a fresh perspective that could change the way you think about language learning. Also, its OPEN ACCESS. So you get to read and review it for free.

Artwork - Fukuzatsu (複雑)

Why This Matters

CEMLA is a way to rethink language acquisition, moving beyond static rules and linear stages, seeing it as a living, breathing system. If you’ve ever struggled to understand why language learning feels chaotic but also deeply intuitive, this framework will resonate with you.

The Key Concepts to watch out for, are,

• Emergence: How linguistic patterns arise through self-organisation.

• Feedback Loops: The role of positive and negative reinforcement in shaping language learning.

• Phase Transitions: Those sudden leaps in understanding we all experience as learners.

• The Edge of Chaos: The delicate balance that makes language learning adaptive yet stable.

I’d Love to Hear From You

I’m excited to share CEMLA with you, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Check out the paper, explore the concepts, and let me know what you think. I am open to all feedback as long as it is constructive. Cheers!