Second language identity in narratives of study abroad / Phil Benson, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, Gary Barkhuizen, The University of Auckland, New Zealand, Peter Bodycott, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong, and Jill Brown, Monash University, Australia.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction: Narrative, Second Language Identity and Study Abroad -- Part I. Second Language Identity and Study Abroad: 2. Second Language Identity; 3. Study Abroad -- Part II. Dimensions of Second Language Identity: 4. Identity-Related Second Language Competence; 5. Linguistic Self-Concept; 6. Second Language-Mediated Personal Competence -- Part III. Programmes and People: 7. Study Abroad Programmes; 8. Individual differences; 9. Improving the Effectiveness of Study Abroad Programmes; 10. Conclusion: Second Language Identity Revisited.

"Study abroad is now both an international industry and an experience that can have a deep impact on students' attitudes and approaches to second language learning. Narratives of Second Language Identity in Study Abroad brings together three important research areas by exploring the impact of study abroad on second language identities through narrative research. It outlines a new model of second language identity that incorporates a range of language and personal competencies. The three main dimensions of this model are explored in chapters that begin with students' study abroad narratives, followed by the authors' in-depth analysis. Further chapters use narratives to assess the impact of programme type and individual difference. Arguing that second language identity development is one of the more important outcomes of study abroad, the book concludes with recommendations on how study abroad programmes can best achieve this outcome"-- Provided by publisher.