Identity Construction and Second Language Acquisition: A Multiple Case Study of Thai Immigrants in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

A growing body of research on identity and language learning has investigated how immigrant learners construct their identities in the process of acquiring a second language (L2). Much of the research, however, is situated in Western contexts. This study looks at how three Thai immigrants acquired an L2, Cantonese, and constructed their identities in their host society—Hong Kong. Drawing on the data collected from semi-structured interviews, onsite observation, and informal conversations, this study shows that the three Thai immigrants built multiple identities that allowed them to have access to the target language learning resources and practices. They embraced selective acculturation by maintaining their Thai identity and preserving their cultural heritage, which had a positive influence on their acquisition of the target language. The study suggests that language learners need to claim powerful identities and exercise human agency in their interaction with target language speakers to facilitate language learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Agency
• cultural capital
• identity
• immigrants
• language learning

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Dr. Hyun-Sook Kang, Dr. Wayne E. Wright, and the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive and helpful comments on earlier versions of this article. I am grateful to the three participants for joining this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. For privacy reasons, Ms. Chung did not want the posts on her social media platforms to be published.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zhe (Victor) Zhang

Zhe (Victor) Zhang holds a PhD degree in applied linguistics from The University of Hong Kong. His research interests include second language writing, computer-assisted language learning, and language and identity. His publications have appeared in Assessing Writing, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, ELT Journal, Language Learning Journal, and IEEE Engineering Management Review.