The effect of learning English on Algerian EFL learners' cultural identity

Abstract EN

Identity is constructed by the language people speak and the language they speak is formed by their identity.

The problem arises when prolonged contact with a foreign language (L2) causes irremediable destabilization of the individual's sense of self.

Previous research has shown that the culture accompanying the language of globalization either subtracts from or adds to the individual's existing cultural identity.

More precisely, it was found that English language learners undergo significant identity conflicts in the process of learning English.

This article is a quantitative and qualitative study which seeks to explore whether or not Algerian EFL learners construct a new identity as a result of learning English.

Results from the questionnaire and interview answered by 178 English major Mater 2 students of Language and Culture at Batna 2 University, Algeria, revealed that most of the participants did not construct a new foreign language identity.

For the few participants, who claimed to have constructed one, they regarded their L2 identities as complementary to their L1 ones, rather than being in conflict with them.