A Study of the Challenging Sociocultural Variables Affecting EFL Learners’ Identity in an Iranian Context
Subject Areas : آموزش زبان انگلیسیهاجر مقدسی حاجی آباد 1 , شعله کلاهی 2 , بهدخت مالامیری 3
1 - گروه زبان انگلیسی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
2 - گروه زبان انگلیسی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
3 - گروه زبان انگلیسی، واحد تهران مرکزی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، تهران، ایران
Keywords: language learning, identity diffusion, identity formation, sociocultural variables, language hegemony,
Abstract :
The present research probed the sociocultural challenging variables which may affect EFL learners’ identity formation during their language studies in an Iranian context. A thorough analysis of the literature encompassing EFL teachers’ opinions and EFL coursebook analyses was performed to develop a comprehensive view of the recognized sociocultural domains and variables. Furthermore, an open-ended questionnaire was designed and distributed among 50 adolescent male and female EFL learners at the age range of 13-21 years (M=16) as Erickson’s identity confusion stage to identify the newest sociocultural challenging variables in the present Iranian context. The result of the research led to compilation of a Sociocultural Variables Inventory presenting an extended range of variables operating in the context of Iranian EFL learners’ identity formation. The inventory could act as a basis for research in the fields of TEFL, sociolinguistics, cultural studies, and further interdisciplinary research.
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