Imagined Identities and Investment in English-As-A-Foreign-Language Learning by Saudi Students in Technical Training Contexts

Abstract

Language learners have multiple and changing identities associated with unequal power relations; their direct identity and language learning involves imagination-created identities in communities not immediately accessible or tangible. Imagined identities drive learners’ investment in meaningful learning practices. This quantitative study addresses a research gap by examining Saudi students’ imagined identities and investment in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learning during technical training. Data from an imagined-identity questionnaire completed by 98 participants were analyzed using arithmetic averages and standard deviations to determine how learners’ imagined identities serve their language-learning investment. Results show that learners’ imagined identities throughout EFL learning during technical training were positive and served their language-learning investment. Learners wanted to extend their identities, assert their right to speak, and practice learner agency, which is significant to their commitment to learning EFL. Further qualitative investigation is required to understand the interrelated nature of EFL learners’ imagined identities and language-learning investment.