WEEK 3,Social Identity,Investment,and Language Learning

I resonate with the writer’s conceptualization the relationship between the language learner and the social environment. A great many language learners were very excited when they first arrived in an English speaking countries, for they were exposed to an ideal English speaking environment. Some people survived and acquired the necessary skills, some people failed as the writers explained in the article: it is the social identities which block them from conversing with the native speakers.

Eva, an immigrant working in a restaurant in Canada, is a highly motivated English learner, refusing to speak English to the native speaker because of the biased viewpoints/unpleasant relation with the native speakers in the social world. As an immigrant, the shift of their social identity sometimes causes uneasiness, resulting in misunderstanding and unwillingness to practice their English, regardless of their self-confidence, personality, English proficiency level, and motivation.

Based on my personal experience, I couldn’t agree more on (P.12)” power relation plays a crucial role in social interaction between language learners and target language speakers” I have been an enthusiastic English learner for many years and cherish every opportunity I have when talking with native speakers, but after I arrive in the US, sometimes I cannot catch up with the local people and feel embarrassed to repeat over and over, or some people may not want to talk with me, I gave up my opportunity to practice English. Even though I understand”(P.14) the more exposure and practice, the more proficient learner will become” I believe most of the international students here have gone through this period of depression and anxiety.

With the data the writers have drawn, the writer pointed out(P.26)” This investment, in turn, must be understood in relation to the multiple, changing, and contradictory identities of language learners.” Then she called forth “classroom based social research” to help the language learners improve their English and claim their right to speak outside the classrooms. Of the 5 objective he/she has suggested, I think they will work very well on the students and help them gain their rights back in the informal learning environment.