English language learners voices: exploring identity construction through life stories

Abstract

Identity is an inherent element in the conformation of a person, which is constructed intimately and almost imperceptibly across time and space, providing recognition of oneself. In this construction different experiences converge, that can be only known from the history of each person. Therefore, this paper aims at understanding how ELPTS construct their identity as learners of English, by implementing a qualitative case study. The participants are students from first to fifth semester of the Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Education with Emphasis in English at Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. The instruments used in the data collection are autobiographical narratives and group interviews. The findings showed that factors like experiences in the educational field, language perceptions and the relationship with teachers and peers influence the construction of the identity of English language learners. It is also found that through the construction of the identity as learners, students search for tools to confront the learning process by investing time and resources for the enhancement of their language skills.