Global, local or glocal? Identities of L2 learners in English as a lingua franca communication | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Chit C. M. Sung

Year of publication: 2014

Keywords: English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), Identity construction, Local and global identities, L2 learners, Glocalization

Methodology/Sample: Interviews/28 students

Reference: Sung, C. C. M. (2014). Global, local or glocal? Identities of L2 learners in English as a Lingua Franca communication. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 27(1), 43-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2014.890210

Abstract

This paper reports on an exploratory inquiry into the perceptions of a group of second language (L2) learners of English with regard to their identities in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) communication contexts. Drawing upon data gathered from two rounds of in-depth interviews with nine participants from a Hong Kong university, the study found that these L2 learners displayed different degrees of affiliations with their local and global identities in ELF communication. While some participants expressed their preference to foreground either their local or global identities, some other participants reconciled their local and global identities and embraced their hybrid, glocal identities in ELF communication. The analysis suggests that ELF communication could offer a myriad of identity options for L2 learners and give rise to hybrid linguistic practices in their L2. Finally, the paper points to the need to acknowledge the role of individuality in identity construction in ELF settings.

> Summary

The paper explores L2 learners’ identities in ELF communication contexts through in-depth interviews with nine participants from Hong Kong.
Participants displayed varying degrees of affiliation with local and global identities, some embracing hybrid identities.
ELF communication offers diverse identity options and promotes hybrid linguistic practices among L2 learners.
The study highlights the need to recognize individuality in identity construction within ELF settings.

> Problem statement

The paper explores whether L2 learners wish to present themselves as global citizens in ELF communication.
It highlights the lack of empirical studies on L2 learners’ identities in ELF contexts, particularly in Hong Kong.
The study reveals that L2 learners experience conflicts between local and global identities in ELF communication.
It emphasizes the need to understand how globalization influences identity construction among L2 learners.
The research indicates that ELF communication offers various identity options, leading to hybrid identities.

> Methods used

The study utilized two rounds of in-depth interviews with nine participants from a Hong Kong university to gather data.
Participants reported their experiences of ELF communication over the past six months during the interviews.
The second interview aimed to explore participants’ desires to project local and/or global identities in ELF interactions.
The analysis focused on how participants oriented to both local and global identities through linguistic practices in ELF communication.
The findings were drawn primarily from the qualitative data obtained during these interviews.

> Practical implications

The study highlights the need for further research on identity construction among L2 learners in ELF contexts.
It suggests that ELF communication offers diverse identity options for L2 learners.
The findings emphasize the importance of understanding individual identity perceptions in ELF settings.
The paper indicates that L2 learners’ identities are fluid and dynamic, requiring nuanced approaches in teaching.
It calls for recognition of hybrid identities in ELF communication, challenging static identity assumptions.