10.4225/03/5b35d191ef616
Levi Durbidge
Levi
Durbidge
Diverging outcomes: The impact of study abroad on two Japanese learners of English
Monash University
2018
Language Learning
Study Abroad
Ambivalance
identity
Language, Communication and Culture not elsewhere classified
2018-06-29 06:38:07
Presentation
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/presentation/Diverging_outcomes_pdf/6722867
Slides from a presentation at the 2016 AALA (Applied Linguistics Association of Australia) Conference. <h3><p><sub>Abstract:</sub></p>
<p><sub>Study abroad is often
seen as way for second language learners to gain authentic, immersive contact
with the target language, providing gains in language acquisition. However, many
studies reporting on the outcomes of study abroad programs have shown that
while some learners seem to flourish, others experience negative consequences
(Kinginger, 2013). Indeed, exposure to the unfamiliar linguistic, cultural and
social situations encountered during study abroad can have far-reaching impacts
for a learner’s sense of self and their relationship with the target language
(Block 2007). </sub></p>
<p><sub>This presentation contrasted the experiences of two Japanese high school students who participated
in a short-term study abroad program in England and had vastly different learning
outcomes. The students completed daily journals while in the host country and were
interviewed both before and after the program. Extracts from this data are presented to highlight critical experiences the students encountered and how
they attempted to resolve them, resulting in changes to their cultural and
second language identities. This presentation also demonstrates how individual
differences, including social histories and motivations for participating in
the program, contributed to the way their relationship to English evolved
during and directly after the program. Examination of these experiences help us
to better understand how some participants in study abroad programs can
struggle and fail to make gains in the target language.</sub></p><p><sub><br></sub></p>
<p><sub>References</sub></p>
<p><sub>Block,
D. (2007). <i>Second language identities</i>.
London: Continuum.</sub></p>
<p><sub>Kinginger,
C. (2013). Identity and language learning in study abroad. <i>Foreign Language Annals</i>, 46(3), 339-358.</sub></p><br></h3>