L2 learning and religious communities of practice in study abroad

Abstract

The “social turn” in ongoing efforts to understand L2 acquisition in study abroad has brought about valuable additions to the literature, encouraging researchers to consider notions of identity in study abroad such as gender, class, nationality, race, and sex. This study focuses on an under-researched aspect of identity abroad: religiosity, and the benefit of pre-existing beliefs to find, create, and become a member of religious communities of practice for personal support – during what can be a difficult time of adjustment and homesickness – as well as for practice and learning in the L2. Findings indicate that joining religious communities of practice while abroad can encourage L2 learning while supporting critical notions of the L2 learner’s identity.