Of shoes-and ships-and sealing-wax: A dynamic systems approach to language curriculum orientation¹

Abstract

The conversation topics raised in Lewis Carroll's poem ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’ serve as a metaphor for (among others) the nature of current language curricula. The article traces the background and implementation of language learning theories using the generic First Additional Language curriculum as a case in point. With reference to sociolinguistic language acquisition theories and complexity theory, an attempt is made to show how the curriculum fails and how steps can be taken to revolutionise language curriculum design.