Performing Identities in Social Media: Focusing on Language Learners' Identity Construction Online

Abstract

This article starts with an introduction into common public discourse regarding the impact social media has on identity construction (in particular children and youth) and why this is of concern to educational stakeholders. Next, some of the ways in which identity has become a recognized factor in language learning theories are summarized, followed by a brief discussion of conceptualizations that have been applied to the construction of online identities and their link to technology-enhanced language learning processes. This is followed by a study that shows how analysis of online presentation and production can integrate an agentive, performative perspective in order to better understand the fluidity of identity in formal and informal learning environments and how this can enhance language teaching and learning practices.

Keywords

• language learning
• social media
• identity