Second Language Identities

Description

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.

David Block is ICREA Research Professor in Sociolinguistics at the University of Lleida, Spain

"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. David Block provides a concise and readable survey... the book is clearly written and well-structured throughout, with the key arguments summarised concisely at the end of each chapter, a comprehensive index and an admirably short and clear list of abbreviations. It would certainly be of use to dip into on ESOL teacher training courses and for anyone interested in the wider aspects of language learning. -- Mary Simpson * Language Issues * [Block] gives us an overview of how research on second language acquisition has indirectly explored issues related to identity, but never concentrated on how it directly relates to second language acquisition until more recently. Precisely, this is the gap that Block fills with Second Language Identities and its main contribution: identity as the center stage in second language acquisition in contexts such as study abroad programs, adult migration, and foreign language classrooms. -- Michelle F. Ramos, California State University, San Marcos * The Modern Language Journal *