Second Language Identities

Bloomsbury Classics in Linguistics

by David Block

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 (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.

Genres: Language

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lara Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting introduction. However, whilst Block manages to bring together different surveys and papers on second language identities and the general concept of identity this book unfortunately did not manage to answer my question how language identity differs from cultural identity (and I do think there is a difference, but maybe this has to be explored in a more linguistic way). Still, interesting read :)