Situated identities in language learning: Social reality and perceptions of English language acquisition: A case study of Chinese students in London - Softcover

Perrin, Stuart

Softcover

ISBN 10: 365929571X ISBN 13: 9783659295713

Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012

Synopsis

The work of identity researchers argue that current theories of second language acquisition are problematic in explaining the relationship between the language learner and the wider social world. This study examines the relationship between situated identities and constructed learning environments, and discusses the implications this relationship may have on language learners’ perceptions of acquisition of English through a longitudinal case study of a group of Chinese students studying English in London. It identifies a number of recurring themes; including personal ‘investment’ in English, perceptions and experiences of English, imagined communities, stratification of English varieties, and learners’ literacy practices. The study argues that reasons for learning English and the educational values of being in a native speaker environment should be seen in terms of the learners’ identities and complex social realities that they construct, shaped by a mixture of language preferences, social values, personal goals and notions of ‘home’.

About this title

About the Author

Stuart is the Director of the English Language Centre at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China. His research interests include academic literacies in the international university, English as a lingua franca, Second Language Acquisition and identity, writing in the Higher Education curriculum, and language testing.

Edition details

• Publisher: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 365929571X
• ISBN 13: 9783659295713
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 612