Multilingualism and Its Role in Identity Construction: A Study of English Students' Perceptions

Autor/in	Benzehaf, Bouchaib
Titel	Multilingualism and Its Role in Identity Construction: A Study of English Students' Perceptions
Quelle	In: International Journal of Multilingualism, 20 (2023) 3, S.1145-1163 (19 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1479-0718
DOI	10.1080/14790718.2021.2003369
Schlagwörter	Self Concept; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Student Attitudes; Undergraduate Students; Language Usage; State Universities; Multilingualism; Language Attitudes; Native Language; Cultural Influences; Intercultural Communication; Cultural Awareness; Foreign Countries; Morocco + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Selbstkonzept; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Fremdsprachenunterricht; Schülerverhalten; Sprachgebrauch; Staatliche Universität; Mehrsprachigkeit; Multilingualismus; Sprachverhalten; Cultural influence; Kultureinfluss; Interkulturelle Kommunikation; Cultural identity; Kulturelle Identität; Ausland; Marokko
Abstract	This study aims to explore how university students of English as a foreign language perceive themselves as multilingual agents, how they practice their languages, and how this affects their identity. The study is based on Kramsch's notion of third place (1993) which considers foreign language learning as an opportunity for the construction of interculturality, thus causing learners to redefine themselves as they hybridise their cultural identity. Data is gathered through an interview and a focus group discussion with 32 English language learning students at a public university in Morocco. The data is thematically analyzed and discussed. Findings indicate that multilingual learners think positively of multilingualism and avail themselves of their languages, using all of them but in different contexts. They also claim they experience identity shift, thus sustaining and developing multiple identities flexibly thanks to the languages they use. Such findings indicate that multilingual students are defining and redefining their cultural identities as modern, global, open and intercultural citizens under the impact of multilingualism. In light of the results obtained, some implications are discussed. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01