Theorizing and Analyzing Agency in Second Language Learning: Interdisciplinary Approaches

Published by Multilingual Matters 2014

Theorizing and Analyzing Agency in Second Language Learning

Interdisciplinary Approaches

Edited by: Ping Deters , Xuesong (Andy) Gao , Elizabeth R. Miller and Gergana Vitanova

In the series Second Language Acquisition

https://doi.org/10.21832/9781783092901

Overview
Contents

About this book

Through several unique perspectives and contexts, this volume contributes to current understanding of agency in second language learning. It includes chapters discussing theoretical, analytical and pedagogical approaches, and will serve as a key reference for researchers of language learning and teaching.

Author / Editor information

Deters Ping :

Ping Deters is a Professor in the English Language Institute of Seneca College in Toronto, Canada.Gao Xuesong :

Xuesong (Andy) Gao is an Associate Professor in the Division of English Language Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong.

Miller Elizabeth R. :

Elizabeth R. Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.Vitanova Gergana :

Gergana Vitanova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at the University of Central Florida, USA.

Ping Deters is a Professor in the English Language Institute of Seneca College in Toronto, Canada.

Xuesong (Andy) Gao is an Associate Professor in the Division of English Language Education, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong.

Elizabeth R. Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.

Gergana Vitanova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at the University of Central Florida, USA.

Reviews

This wide-ranging anthology is the first ever collection of the diverse theoretical, analytical and pedagogical approaches to the study of language learner agency. Reflecting a broad spectrum of research conducted by leading figures in the field, this book not only makes an excellent reader for any course on second language learning, but also a handy research reference, due to the breadth and depth of the information it conveys.

In an educational environment increasingly driven by market-place concerns and forms of hyper-regulation, careful assessment of the potential for teacher and student agency is a most timely and welcome development. This is an outstanding collection of theoretical and pedagogical perspectives – the ‘go to’ book on agency in second language education.

This edited volume fills a large gap in second language learning research by focusing on the critical construct of agency and provides novel ways of both theoretically and methodologically exploring how this construct is conceptualized, used and studied. Kudos to the editors and the contributors for such a fascinating and thought-provoking book.

Dorota Werbinska, Pomeranian Academy, Poland:

In my opinion, the greatest strength of the book lies principally in it being an interesting collection of different perspectives from which agency in language learning can be viewed, as well as a first-class inspiration for readers to reflect and even take action in the context of multiple agency on issues raised by the contributors. Therefore, the book itself can mediate agency in both scholars and practitioners, be it through their researching or replicating the various study proposals, or implementing the contributors’ insights into their own language classrooms.

David McLoughlin, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan:

This volume thoroughly surveys the different approaches to the question of agency in second-language learning. A particularly strong point of this volume is the range of learning contexts that are
presented. This focus on a range of unique learning experiences emphasizes the richness of agency as an area of research in second-language learning. This book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students, teachers, and researchers of agency, identity, and second-language learning.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
Contributors Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	vii
Acknowledgments Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	xiii
1 Introduction to Theorizing and Analyzing Agency in Second Language Learning: Interdisciplinary Approaches Gergana Vitanova, Elizabeth R. Miller, Xuesong Gao and Ping Deters Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Part 1 Theoretical Approaches to Agency
2 Structure, Agency, Individualization and the Critical Realist Challenge David Block Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	17
3 Dialogical View on Language Learners’ Agency: Connecting Intrapersonal with Interpersonal Hannele Dufva and Mari Aro Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	37
4 Examining Agency in (Second) Language Socialization Research Patricia A. Duff and Liam Doherty Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	54
5 Theorizing Young Language Learner Agency through the Lens of Multilingual Repertoires: A Sociocultural Perspective Chatwara Suwannamai Duran Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	73
6 Sociological Approaches to Second Language Learning and Agency Carola Mick Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	91
Part 2 Analytical Approaches to Investigating Agency
7 Performing and Accounting Language and Identity: Agency as Actors-in-(inter)action-with-tools Sangeeta Bagga-Gupta Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	113
8 ‘He’s the Star!’: Positioning as a Tool of Analysis to Investigate Agency and Access to Learning Opportunities in a Classroom Environment Hayriye Kayi-Aydar Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	133
9 ‘Crossing’ into the L2 and Back: Agency and Native-like Ultimate Attainment by a Post-critical-period Learner Adnan Ajsic Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	154
10 Analyzing Learner Agency in Second Language Learning: A Place-based Approach Peter W. Stanfield Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	173
Part 3 Pedagogical Practices for Agency
11 Agency, Anxiety and Activity: Understanding the Classroom Behavior of EFL Learners Christina Gkonou Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	195
12 Verbalizing in the Second Language Classroom: Exploring the Role of Agency in the Internalization of Grammatical Categories Próspero N. García Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	213
13 Critical Discourse Analysis in a Medical English Course: Examining Learner Agency through Student Written Reflections Theron Muller Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	232
14 Toward a Relationship-oriented Framework: Revisiting Agency By Listening to the Voices of Children Man-Chiu Amay Lin Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	252
15 Afterword Anna De Fina Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	271
Author Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	277
Subject Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	279