Identity as an Integral Component of Language Learning

Awareness of Identity

Individuals shape their identity and language use based on the amalgamation of group membership, social constructs, and relationships. Social identity theory (SIT) (Tajfel, 1978; Tajfel et al., 1979) explains that individuals cultivate an identity through linguistic choices, defining self based on societal interactions and comparisons. An awareness of self and alignment within social settings based on group membership is critical for individuals when opting to reveal and shape their identity (Brown, 2020; Wilson & Leaper, 2016). Language is a particularly effective tool for understanding community dynamics and provides an opportunity for individuals to create a shared ingroup identity (Tajfel et al., 1971; Wenger, 1998). While navigating the terrain of group membership, identity is defined and redefined based on presumed social norms (Wilson & Leaper, 2016). When the language of group membership is not understood or adopted beyond the ingroup, it may lead to linguistic code-switching and suppression of true identity to align with what is perceived to be socially acceptable (Falbo & LaCroix, 2022; Treffers-Daller et al., 2020). This obfuscation of self can have detrimental effects on members of marginalized groups whose identity becomes something necessary to conceal, which in turn leads to psychological stress, physical safety concerns, and poorer educational outcomes (Velman et al., 2022).