Identity-Related Second Language Competence

In the next three chapters, we shift the focus from theory based on previous research to the application of theory to our own data. Each chapter covers one dimension of the model of second language identity outlined in Chapter 3 (Figure 3.2). In this chapter, we focus on identity-related second language competence. Chapter 5 focuses on linguistic self-concept, while Chapter 6 focuses on second language-mediated personal competence. Each chapter has a similar structure, which we hope will help readers track our interpretations of the data and, perhaps, make their own interpretations. Each chapter begins with two narratives of study abroad experiences, which highlight the dimension of second language identity in focus (on the process of writing the narratives, see Chapter 1). While these narratives speak for themselves, we have also included some introductory questions to guide readers towards the analysis which follows them. The section headings in the analysis correspond to these questions, and we hope that they will help readers test our interpretations against their own.