book notice: Language, Identity and Study Abroad: Jackson

[Harold Schiffman]

Language, Identity and Study Abroad: Jackson


Language, Identity and Study Abroad: Sociocultural Perspectives
Series Title: Studies in Applied Linguistics
Published: 2008
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd
                http://www.equinoxpub.com/

Author: Jane Jackson

Abstract:

A growing number of foreign language students are taking part in study and
residence abroad programs but what actually happens when they cross
cultures in an unfamiliar land? What effect can a sojourn have on their
sense of self and their perceptions of the target language and culture?
What factors affect their willingness to use the target language in social
settings? This book is based on the premise that student sojourners and
educators can benefit from a deeper understanding of the language,
identity, and cultural factors that impact on the development of
intercultural communicative competence and intercultural personhood, "a
new, alternative identity that is broader, more inclusive, more
intercultural… something that will always contain the old and the new side
by side to form "a third kind" - a kind that allows more openness and
acceptance of differences in people" (Kim, 2001: 232-3). Linking
contemporary sociocultural / identity theories with practice, the
relationship between language and cultural learning and identity
reconstruction are examined through an ethnographic exploration of the
actual experiences of study abroad participants. The book provides a
unique, interdisciplinary perspective, addressing issues of importance to
professionals in second language acquisition, sociolinguistics,
cross-cultural psychology, speech communication, and intercultural
communication.

http://linguistlist.org/issues/19/19-3499.html
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