Study Abroad and Second Language Use Constructing the Self [Paperback]

Looks at the problems 'study abroad' students face in expressing their personalities in a foreign language and culture.Language plays an essential role in how we portray our personalities. However, when we interact in a foreign language and in a new country, limitations in linguistic and cultural knowledge make self-presentation a more difficult task. This book explores the problems faced by language students embarking on 'study abroad' programmes, looking at factors that complicate self-presentation and how students overcome these. Offering rich insights into the study abroad experience, it will be an invaluable resource for professionals in second language acquisition, and for teachers and students preparing for study abroad.Language plays an essential role in how we portray our personalities. However, when we interact in a foreign language and in a new country, limitations in linguistic and cultural knowledge make self-presentation a more difficult task. This book explores the problems faced by language students embarking on 'study abroad' programmes, looking at factors that complicate self-presentation and how students overcome these. Offering rich insights into the study abroad experience, it will be an invaluable resource for professionals in second language acquisition, and for teachers and students preparing for study abroad.Limitations in linguistic and cultural knowledge make self-presentation a more difficult task when we interact in a new language in a foreign country. This volume explores the problems faced by language students embarking on study abroad programs by considering factors that complicate self-presentation and how students overcome them. The book's insight makes it an invaluable resource for professionals in second language acquisition, and for teachers and students preparing for study abroad.1. Language use in a social context; 2. Communicative goals; 3. The social dance: second language and the construction of self; 4. Learners and theirlã”