Second Language Identities - Softcover

Block, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847065716 ISBN 13: 9781847065711

Publisher: Continuum, 2009

Synopsis

Second Language Identities examines how identity is an issue in different second language learning contexts. It begins with a detailed presentation of what has become a popular approach to identity in the social sciences (including applied linguistics) today, one that is inspired in poststructuralist thought and is associated with the work of authors such as Anthony Giddens, Zygmunt Bauman, Chris Weedon, Judith Butler and Stuart Hall. It then examines how in early SLA research focussing on affective variables, identity was an issue, lurking in the wings but not coming to the surface. - Moving to the present, the book then examines in detail and critiques recent research focussing on identity in three distinct second language learning contexts. - These contexts are: (1) adult migration, (2) foreign language classrooms and (3) study abroad programmes. The book concludes with suggestions for future research focussing on identity in second language learning.

About this title

Review:

'Second Language Identities is a remarkable book that traces research interest in second language identities from the 1960's to the present. Drawing on a wide range of social science theory, David Block brings an insightful analysis to seminal studies of adult migrants, foreign language learners, and study abroad students. A timely work that makes an outstanding contribution to a burgeoning field of inquiry.' --Bonny Norton, Professor and Distinguished University Scholar, University of British Columbia, Canada.

Synopsis:

This is an examination of how identity is an issue in different second language learning contexts."Second Language Identities" begins with a detailed presentation of what has become a popular approach to identity in the social sciences (including applied linguistics) today, one that is inspired by poststructuralist thought and is associated with the work of authors such as Anthony Giddens, Zygmunt Bauman, Chris Weedon, Judith Butler and Stuart Hall. The book then examines how in early SLA research focussing on affective variables, identity was an issue, lurking in the wings but not coming to the surface. Moving to the present, it then examines in detail and critiques recent research focussing on identity in three distinct second language learning contexts. These contexts are: adult migration, foreign language classrooms and study abroad programmes. Finally the book concludes with suggestions for future research focussing on identity in second language learning.

About this edition

• Publisher: Continuum
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1847065716
• ISBN 13: 9781847065711
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 238