Back to Search
Start Over
The Interplay of L2 Pragmatics and Learner Identity as a Social, Complex Process: A Poststructuralist Perspective
- Source :
-
TESL-EJ . May 2021 25(1). - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- In the poststructuralist view, just as language learners' sense of self-identity impacts their language learning choices, the learners' variable investment in social-cultural-political processes and discourse practices can dynamically influence their identity (re)constructions across time and space. This interpretive case study examined how 2 Iranian EFL learners' identity (re)positioning in a university context might influence their foreign/second language (L2) pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic requestive choices. The employed mixed-method data-collection procedure comprised an identity questionnaire, classroom observations, role plays, stimulated recalls, and diaries. Results indicated that the male learner with an L2-oriented identity was still under the influence of his L1 identity projections in his pragmatic choices. Although his pragmalinguistic choices in the third scenario grew increasingly L2-like, L1 appropriacy preferences still persisted in his pragmatic production. Surprisingly, however, the initially L1-identity female learner progressively demonstrated more openness towards renegotiating a newer L2-inclined social identity and employing more L2-like sociopragmatic norms. Further theoretical or pedagogical implications are discussed.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1072-4303
- Volume :
- 25
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- ERIC
- Journal :
- TESL-EJ
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- EJ1302585
- Document Type :
- Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research