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Article published In: Study Abroad Research in Second Language Acquisition and International Education
Vol. 6:1 (2021) ► pp.91–123

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No longer a wacky foreigner

Study abroad, communities of practice, and second language learning

 | Illinois State University
Published online: 12 March 2021
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https://doi.org/10.1075/sar.19012.edw
Abstract
This study focuses on language socialization during study abroad and specifically second language learning in communities of practice. Based on oral interviews in French and English, written journals, and weekly surveys, this study examines one participant’s second language (L2) learning during a semester abroad during which he became a member of two communities of practice: his host family and a local gaming group. The participant negotiated and became more confident in his L2 identity and learning over time and increasingly solidified his membership within these groups. This study analyzes the steps taken by the participant using the framework of legitimate peripheral participation and considers identity and learning that develop within a community of practice.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical framework and literature review
    • 2.1Language socialization and L2 identity
    • 2.2Communities of practice
    • 2.3Legitimate peripheral participation
    • 2.4Language socialization in CoPs
  • 3.Research questions
  • 4.Methods
    • 4.1Researcher positionality, participant and program of study
    • 4.2Chev
    • 4.3Data collection
    • 4.4Data analysis
  • 5.Results. Board-gaming community
    • 5.1Proactive search and first visits
    • 5.2Observations from the periphery and symbols of membership: Shared repertoire
    • 5.3What it felt like being a member
  • 6.Host father CoP
    • 6.1Arrival and rules
    • 6.2Routine, joint enterprise, and shared repertoire
    • 6.3Interview with Jean
    • 6.4No longer a wacky foreigner
  • 7.Discussion and conclusion
  • References
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