Identity and the Role of English in Study Abroad Contexts

This study investigates the potential role of English lingua franca in the construction of identity in study abroad contexts. This project adopts a qualitative approach and it employs techniques of ethnographic research. The research data were collected using individual semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The participants in this study were ten former exchange students who spent at least one academic semester abroad. The data findings suggest that the factors that influence the development of identity formation and identity construction are complex. Some of these factors include individuals' language practices, networks, language learning experience and ideologies. As will be shown, after their experience studying abroad, most of the participants wish to assume a global identity. The data analysis shows that English as a lingua franca and study abroad contributes to the forging of the participants' global identities