The Contribution of FL Learning Experiences to the Development of Multicultural Identity

Abstract

It is assumed that culture has taken an important place in foreign language instruction (Culhane, Electron J Foreign Lang Teaching 1:50--61, 2004). Since it is widely known that people learning a foreign language become new selves by developing a different identity, the question is to what extent target language culture influences learners' L1 ego. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the way in which learners create their new L1 ego under the influence of Anglo-Saxon culture. In addition, the study tried to examine by means of a questionnaire how students perceive the notion of language ego in both L1 and L2 and the way it is linked to TL culture. The subjects of the study were third-year students of the English Department at the University of Silesia, doing their major in English Cultures and Literatures which was crucial in terms of research results. The results show that having mastered a FL, students become new persons which may have a real impact on their L1 ego. Specifically, under the influence of TL culture different personality traits are subject to change which leads to creating new self-perception and acquiring different verbal/non-verbal skills.