ABSTRACT
Focusing on the sociocultural dimension of learner differences, this chapter discusses how identity is a construct that enables a complex understanding of the individual learner who interacts with others in multiple social contexts. As learners navigate the social world in both embodied and disembodied ways, differences in terms of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and social class can shape the extent to which they invest in the language practices of diverse communities. Through a range of methodologies such as case study, narrative inquiry, and conversational analysis, identity researchers are able to examine issues of indexicality, positionality, and intersectionality. By understanding individual differences in terms of learners’ identities and personal histories, teachers can design learning activities that recognize the rich diversity of learners and affirm the knowledge, languages, and cultural resources that they bring to class.
