A1 Journal article (refereed)
The emotional journey of being and becoming bilingual (2020)

Moate, J., & Ruohotie-Lyhty, M. (2020). The emotional journey of being and becoming bilingual. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 23(2), 213-226. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2017.1348464

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Moate, Josephine; Ruohotie-Lyhty, Maria

Journal or series: International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

ISSN: 1367-0050

eISSN: 1747-7522

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 23

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 213-226

Publisher: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2017.1348464

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/67700

Abstract

This article examines the foreign language learning biographies of six Finnish English speakers who reflect on their journey towards a bilingual identity. In this article language learning is examined as a process that is intrinsically emotional as emotion connects individuals with the world as well as being a movement within oneself. The data analysis is based on dialogical and narrative approaches. Through the analysis two key story types were named: Bilingualism as striving and Bilingualism as a gift. In the striving stories English was held up as an ideal, as a way of engaging with the wider world but moreover as a way of finding a better ‘me’. In the gift stories, English was experienced as a gateway to something other, whether a new community, sport, or music. The emotional intonation of these two story types varied considerably highlighting the importance of emotion within language education.

Keywords: emotions; identity (mental objects); bilingualism

Free keywords: emotion; identity; FL learning

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 2