Face in L2 argumentative discourse: Psycholinguistic constraints on the construction of identity

Dippold, D (2006) Face in L2 argumentative discourse: Psycholinguistic constraints on the construction of identity In: Language, Culture and Identity in Applied Linguistics. Language, Culture and Identity, 21 (10). Equinox, pp. 163-180. ISBN 1845532198

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Abstract

This paper introduces Goffman’ theory of ‘face’ as a theory of identity, arguing that individual speakers retain agency for the kind of self-image they want to construct in terms of their qualities and social roles. Drawing on data elicited through elicitation tasks (argumentative conversations) by learners of German at three levels of proficiency, as well as retrospective interviews with these learners, the paper shows that linguistic limitations and limitations in processing control mean that learners at lower levels or proficiency are more likely to use their limited resources in the service of constructing a ‘good L2 speaker’ identity rather than an identity associated with the argumentative task. The paper thus argues that labelling learners’ performance as deficient is not helpful. Rather, their attention is simply diverted to aspects of ‘face’ that are salient and important to them.

Item Type:	Book Section
Divisions :	Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences > School of Literature and Languages > Languages and Translation
Authors :	Name Email ORCID Dippold, D
Editors :	Name Email ORCID Kiely, R Woodfield, H Rea-Dickins, P Clibbon, G
Date :	December 2006
Related URLs :	Publisher
Depositing User :	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited :	25 Jul 2013 10:36
Last Modified :	31 Oct 2017 15:06
URI:	http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/id/eprint/780670

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