Self-Concept in Foreign Language Learning: A Longitudinal Study of Japanese Language Learners

by Reiko Yoshida

This book explores self-concept in foreign language (FL) learning, tracing the trajectories of a group of Japanese language learners at an Australian university to illuminate new insights about the factors impacting positive self-concept and implications for language learning more broadly.

The volume calls attention to the ways in which learners' perception of themselves as FL learners plays a fundamental role in FL learning. Drawing on data from a longitudinal study, including student diaries, interviews and classroom observations, Yoshida outlines shifts in self-concept as learners progress from secondary school to university courses to study abroad and beyond. The book demonstrates how the learner journey is marked by a growing recognition of the importance of practice for achievement but also a greater sense of self-consciousness, with learners' agency in creating opportunities for themselves to practice their FL as a key factor in improving self-concept over time. This work offers unique observations about self-concept for learners who already 'have' global English as a first language, inspiring ways forward for future research and language teaching in other under-studied languages.

The book will appeal to students and researchers in applied linguistics, SLA and foreign language learning, as well as stakeholders in Japanese language programs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1032484837
• ISBN13: 9781032484839
• Release Date: April 2024
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"