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Part of
Methods in Study Abroad Research: Past, present, and future
Edited by Carmen Pérez-Vidal and Cristina Sanz
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 4] 2023
► pp. 135–156

Chapter 6
Narratives and identity in study abroad research

 | University of Perpignan-Via Domitia
Study abroad can be seen as a journey through time and space, affording narratives. This chapter focuses on the study of narratives and questions of identity for study abroad research. Looking first at narrative inquiry in general, it then considers the use of narratives in second language acquisition studies, before going on to address issues arising in study abroad research in particular. Identity is discussed in relation to narratives and narrative inquiry. Limitations and issues arising in existing studies are discussed, and suggestions are given for working with narratives in future study abroad research.
Keywords: narratives, identity, autobiography / autobiographical, plurilingual identity, transnational / transnationalism, plurilingualism, interviews, lived experiences, migrants
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Narratives and identity in SA
    • Approaching narratives
    • Approaching identity
  • Issues, limitations and critical discussion
    • Issues for narrative inquiry in SA research
    • Identity, plurilingualism and transnationalism
  • Guiding principles for working with narratives
  • Conclusion
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 3 February 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.4.06tyn
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