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Second Language Identities

David Block author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:6th Jan '07

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Second Language Identities cover

An examination of how identity is an issue in different second language learning contexts

Begins with a presentation of what has become a popular approach to identity in the social sciences. This book examines in detail and critiques research focussing on identity in three distinct second language learning contexts. These contexts are: adult migration, foreign language classrooms and study abroad programmes.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.

"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,Winter 2008

ISBN: 9780826474063

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 490g

240 pages