Discourses, Identities and Investment in Foreign Language Learning

This book explores discourses of foreign language education in Ireland through an ethnographic lens, examining the role of identity, gender, and language learning in a globalized world. It provides a unique insight into how dominant discourses are constructed and resisted in the institutional context, shaping our understanding of gender and language learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2022
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of foreign language education in Ireland, employing an ethnographic lens to explore the multifaceted discourses surrounding language learning. By taking a critical stance towards the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), the book uncovers the intricate connections between students' language ideologies and broader societal discourses, including those related to gender, language learning, and elite multilingualism. Furthermore, it examines the profound influence of imagined identities on language learning investment in a world dominated by English and a select few other "global languages." Through an ethnographic approach, the book offers a distinctive perspective on how dominant discourses of identity, gender, and foreign language learning are both constructed and challenged within the institutional context. This insightful exploration sheds light on the ways in which these discourses shape our understanding of gender roles and language learner identities in a globalized world.

This book is a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers interested in the fields of SLA and sociolinguistics, as well as language teachers and language policymakers. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape language learning in Ireland and offers valuable insights into the broader societal implications of language education. By examining the interplay between language ideologies, gender, and elite multilingualism, this book contributes to our understanding of the complexities of language learning in a diverse and rapidly changing world.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800415645