1. Introduction

This chapter introduces the establishment and development of Vygotsky’s cultural-historical psychology (CHP) and highlights the significance of understanding the philosophical background and connection to Marxism. It also emphasizes the need for further interpretation and explanation for the development and application of CHP in various fields of study. The chapter also points out the lack of recognition of the connection between CHP and Marxism in Vygotsky’s works in English academia and the need for more work to appreciate the significance of Vygotsky’s theory. Furthermore, it discusses previous studies that have analyzed the connection between Marxist philosophy and CHP, and introduces the analytical framework adopted in this study.

2. Internal Relations and Vygotsky’s Search for Psychology

whole psyche is a psychology of no use. The understanding of higher forms must pass through a study of cells, of elementary reactions, if we wish to be one of the sciences. This direction must explore the units, the cells of social life. (Vygotsky, 1997, p. 321)

The internal relations between the unit and the whole, based on the concept of the “cell” in Marxism, laid the foundation for the methodology of CHP and Vygotsky’s search for a new psychology. The unit of analysis as the smallest unit of internal relations offers a way to understand human psychological development and the mediation of social life in human mental functions. Vygotsky’s attempt to seek internal relations in human psychological development demonstrates the influence of Marxism in the methodological foundation of CHP.

3. Process of Abstraction in Marxist Dialectics

This chapter discusses the process of abstraction in Marxist dialectics, focusing on the three steps of the dialectical dance as demonstrated by Ollman. It explains the three modes of scientific abstraction according to Marx: extension, levels of generality, and vantage point. These modes are interrelated and are used to dissect the essence of capitalism and discover the crisis of capitalism from flexible angles. Additionally, the chapter examines the three steps of dialectical dance in Cultural-Historical Psychology (CHP) and how they are reflected in Vygotsky’s work. It illustrates how the extension, level of generality, and vantage point are present in Vygotsky's conceptual and methodological aspects, indicating the application of these dialectical steps in CHP.

4. Impact of Dialectics in SCT-SLA Studies

This chapter discusses the impact of dialectics in SCT-SLA studies, highlighting the connection between Marxism and CHP and its implications for SLA studies. It emphasizes the internal relations between language, the individual, and the environment, as well as the dialectical relation between teacher and learner in pedagogical approaches such as dynamic assessment and concept-based language instruction. Additionally, the concept of perezhivanie is used to capture the dialectical unities of individual-environment and emotion-intellect, extending an individual’s developmental process from specific events to a general developmental process. These studies demonstrate the significant impact of Marxism on CHP and SLA studies.

5. Conclusion

The paper concludes that Marxism strongly influenced Vygotsky’s cultural-historical psychology (CHP) and its application in fields such as applied linguistics. The concept of internal relations and dialectical abstraction steps from Marxism deeply influenced how Vygotsky approached the relationships between human psychology, development, and the social-cultural world. It is suggested that analyzing CHP and its educational praxis in SLA from the perspective of Marxism can emphasize the importance of Marxist concepts in current scientific studies. Additionally, more research is needed to further explore the interconnected relationship between Marxism and CHP, and to enhance the theoretical and practical development of SLA studies.