book notice: Second Language Identities: Block

[Harold Schiffman]

Second Language Identities: Block


Title: Second Language Identities
Published: 2009
Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd
                http://www.continuumbooks.com

Author: David Block
Abstract:

Note: This is the paperback edition of a previously announced book.

"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

Second Language Identities 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 in
poststructuralist thought and is associated with the work of authors such
as Anthony Giddens, Zygmunt Bauman, Chris Weedon, Judith Butler and Stuart
Hall.

It then examines how in early SLA research focussing on affective
variables, identity was an issue, lurking in the wings but not coming to
the surface. Moving to the present, the book then examines in detail and
critiques recent research focussing on identity in three distinct second
language learning contexts. These contexts are: (1) adult migration, (2)
foreign language classrooms and (3) study abroad programmes. The book
concludes with suggestions for future research focussing on identity in
second language learning.

Linguistic Field(s): Sociolinguistics

Written In: English (eng )

See this book announcement on our website:
http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=39133

http://linguistlist.org/issues/20/20-273.html

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