Full Description
This book uses a narrative-oriented approach to shed light on the processes of identity construction and development among Japanese university students of English. The research highlights the instrumental agency of individuals in responding to and acting upon the social environment, and in developing, maintaining and/or reconstructing their identities as L2 users. The study offers unique insights into the role of experience, emotions, social and environmental affordances in shaping their personal orientations to English and self-perceptions as English learner-users. It also examines individuals' responses to these factors and discusses fluctuations in their motivations. The additional value of this book lies in its detailed account of methodological procedures, challenges and ways to overcome obstacles encountered when undertaking qualitative longitudinal studies.
Contents
Overview of the Research
Acknowledgments
Researcher's Background
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Theoretical Frameworks
Chapter 3. Narrative Approach: Identities Studies and Emotions
Chapter 4. The Research Design, the Site, Participants, Data Collection and Analysis
Chapter 5. Sayaka and Megumi 's Stories: Authenticate and Strengthen the L2 Possible Selves
Chapter 6. Megumi and Yui's Stories: Desires to Create and Develop the L2 Possible Selves
Chapter 7. Hinako and Takehiro's Stories: Ambivalent Desires to Create the L2 Possible Selves
Chapter 8. An Attempt to Weave the Threads Together:
Chapter 9. Conclusion and Afterword
Figures and Tables
Appendices
