Cultural identity construction and English as a lingua franca in online virtual exchange

[EN] This study explores how students perceive the construction of cultural identity in online intercultural encounters and the impact these perceptions may have on their relationship with English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). This paper presents findings from a mixed-methods study conducted with univer...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Gruber, Alice, Karnovska, Sofiya
Formato: capítulo de livro
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Recursos:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/206582
Acesso em linha:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/206582
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:English as a Lingua Franca (ELF)
Identity construction
Intercultural communication
Virtual Exchange (VE)
Descrição
Resumo:[EN] This study explores how students perceive the construction of cultural identity in online intercultural encounters and the impact these perceptions may have on their relationship with English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). This paper presents findings from a mixed-methods study conducted with university students in Germany, France, Israel, and Spain, focusing on English language learning experiences within the context of a Virtual Exchange (VE) project. Results from qualitative data of (n=356) participants indicate considerable differences in how students perceive their roles in intercultural interactions, along with the benefits associated with ELF participation. The results moreover emphasise the importance of reflective practices and open discussions concerning identity construction and language use. The value of initiating dialogues and reflecting identity in the ELF classroom is discussed.