Second Language Identities

This book 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 by poststructuralist thought and is associated with the work of authors such as Antony Giddens, Zygmunt Bauman, Chris Weedon, Judith Butler and Stuart Hall. It then examines how in early SLA research, identity was an issue lurking in the wings, but not coming to the centre stage. Moving to the present, the book details recent research focusing on identity in three distinct language-learning contexts: adult migration; foreign-language classrooms; and study-abroad programmes. The book concludes with a critique of current research focusing on identity in language learning, offering suggestions for future research. David Block is Senior Lecturer in Languages at the Institute of Education, University of London.