Karmaşık dinamik sistemler teorisi aracılığıyla yetişkin yabancı dil motivasyonunu anlamak: Araçsal bir vaka çalışması

Motivation is an indispensable facet and a widely researched topic in the field of foreign/second language learning. In this vein, the present thesis study aims to investigate how motivational trajectories of a motivated adult language learner attending a private foreign language course change in the Turkish EFL context by employing Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) framework. To develop an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study, the researcher used an instrumental case study design. By doing so, the researcher attempted to capture the multifaceted and complex relationships that arise in adult learners' target language learning motivation. The research participant was selected through purposive sampling since the nature of the study required dense data to be collected. In light of this, the research participant had high self-awareness and self -reflection skills. Besides, he was consistent with the provision of data. In total, 6 interviews were carried out with the participant, 24 journal entries and 33 lesson evaluation sheets were collected. Data was thematically analyzed. As a result, a rich and nuanced understanding of the phenomenon was developed. The findings of the present study revealed a fluid and complex development of L2 selves across different domains shaped by social, affective, and cognitive factors. Besides the unfolding attractor and repeller states that occurred as a result of system interactions, by tracing motivational trajectories over time, it can be observed that shifts and fluctuations occurred in the learner's self-system, indicating the non-linearity of motivation.