This paper explores agency fluctuations and identity transformations in Chinese English-majors and how they are related to the process of English learning. By tracing a group of students for four years in a Chinese un...This paper explores agency fluctuations and identity transformations in Chinese English-majors and how they are related to the process of English learning. By tracing a group of students for four years in a Chinese university and conducting qualitative analyses to their oral narrations of learning experiences at different periods, the study has found that most participants started and ended their university life at relatively high levels of agency, with inevitable ups and downs in between. Agency fluctuations in the learners are the result of their identity positioning and repositioning within a complex and ever-changing context. Concordant or conflicting identities may co-exist within an individual learner and keep changing across different situations. Learner identities will cause increase or reduction in their investment in English learning, while their learning experience will in turn reinforce or undermine their identities. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between agency, identity and language learning and therefore has important implications for English learning and teaching in China.展开更多
Folk legends depict Naodongfang as an auspicious and positive custom,in contrast to the intellectuals’negative comments found in historical manuscripts concerning Naodongfang.The three types(stories of auspicious and...Folk legends depict Naodongfang as an auspicious and positive custom,in contrast to the intellectuals’negative comments found in historical manuscripts concerning Naodongfang.The three types(stories of auspicious and mythical figures who were incarnated as respected emperors and initiated Naodongfang;tales of folk heroes who were brave and courageous enough to fight villains such as bad emperors or demons;and urban legends of everyday people’s experiences),affirm Naodongfang as an essential component of a Chinese wedding.The beliefs and legends underlie the practice of lively and noisy weddings and led to the pervasiveness of Naodongfang that continues until today.Folk legends and their related beliefs speak to the longevity of Naodongfang and suggest its historical and present importance.展开更多
文摘This paper explores agency fluctuations and identity transformations in Chinese English-majors and how they are related to the process of English learning. By tracing a group of students for four years in a Chinese university and conducting qualitative analyses to their oral narrations of learning experiences at different periods, the study has found that most participants started and ended their university life at relatively high levels of agency, with inevitable ups and downs in between. Agency fluctuations in the learners are the result of their identity positioning and repositioning within a complex and ever-changing context. Concordant or conflicting identities may co-exist within an individual learner and keep changing across different situations. Learner identities will cause increase or reduction in their investment in English learning, while their learning experience will in turn reinforce or undermine their identities. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between agency, identity and language learning and therefore has important implications for English learning and teaching in China.
文摘Folk legends depict Naodongfang as an auspicious and positive custom,in contrast to the intellectuals’negative comments found in historical manuscripts concerning Naodongfang.The three types(stories of auspicious and mythical figures who were incarnated as respected emperors and initiated Naodongfang;tales of folk heroes who were brave and courageous enough to fight villains such as bad emperors or demons;and urban legends of everyday people’s experiences),affirm Naodongfang as an essential component of a Chinese wedding.The beliefs and legends underlie the practice of lively and noisy weddings and led to the pervasiveness of Naodongfang that continues until today.Folk legends and their related beliefs speak to the longevity of Naodongfang and suggest its historical and present importance.
