Globalization, English, and Identity Construction

Abstract

Language is fundamental in shaping one's identity. In today's borderless world, how we see, define and position ourselves appear to be, to a varying degree, interconnected to a host of 'globalizing forces', such as English. Drawing on Bhabha's (1994) notion of hybridity and Gomzina's (2012) multi-layered cultural identity as theoretical frameworks, this study aims to trace and understand how the exposure to the English language has impacted one of the writers' sense of self as an individual. Adopting an autobiographical narrative inquiry, the study used personal narratives written by Luthfiah as data. These narratives encompassed her reflections of various 'significant moments' that highlighted her engagement with English. Analysis of the narratives pointed to three major themes: (1) being fascinated with English, (2) feeling superior because of English, and (3) expanding the self through English. While initially Luthfiah's exposure to English had led her to a state of ambivalence regarding her identity, it is through English that she was finally able to expand herself and to understand her hybrid identity: English has become a tool for Luthfiah to re-define herself as an Indonesian. This study confirms the idea that there is no one single true way of defining one's cultural identity, as identity is multifaceted and complex and that it is always in the process of 'becoming'.

The Construction of Indonesian Efl Learners’ Identities: A Narrative-Based Case Study

“…However, later on, the identities that kept their investments in learning English were the intercultural ones due to the encounters with technology and the internet as the product of globalization. This is relevant with Gandana and Nissa (2021) and Mutiara (2020) studies that show the important role of intercultural identities in shaping the EFL learners identity.…”

“…Thus the teacher's role is important to clarify their stance as English learners who should not lose their identity as Indonesian people and avoid confusion when the identities they have are contradictive. There is also more research on this topic in the Indonesian EFL context such as Gandana and Nissa (2021) and Mutiara (2020) who researched how an Indonesian writer continuously negotiate her cultural identity amidst globalization and English learning, Ke Lomi & Mbato (2020) and Ubaidillah et al (2020) who focused on the struggles of Indonesian EFL novice teachers in constructing their professional identities by utilizing their unique experiences as EFL learners, and Wirza (2018) and who discussed an in-depth explanation of the identity construction of two Indonesian EFL learners.…”