One Theory to Rule Them All

"The Need for an Integrated Theory: Connecting Modules" by Evelyn Hatch, Yasuhiro Shirai, and Cheryl Fantuzzi discusses the problem of far too many and various studies and theories about second language acquisition. We need to integrate everything into one theory "that matches what we have learned from experience." They also feel that where most of the current research focuses on the internal processes of the learner, there needs to be more emphasis on teaching language. They see a problem with asking questions in regard to isolated subsystems that do not consider others in an effort to avoid the possible confusion resulting from two broad of a study. However, as researchers try to make the "research feasible" by narrowing the focus, they "may advance explanations that are faulty." Hatch, Shirai, and Fantuzzi believe that advances in technology and computers can help us manage and integrate all the different elements of second language acquisition, as well as help us test them.

I have a hard time believing that there could be just one theory encompassing all of second language acquisition. There are just so many things going on and so many variables to consider. I do feel like all the theories could be narrowed down. I think we need a few solid theories that could be compared and considered together. It just seems like we cannot even manage to put very many solid theories forward on specific parts of SLA that are not messy (this article gives an example of one) or highly criticized, so how would we manage to make one clear theory that everyone agrees on for the whole process?