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Article published In:
Current State of Second Language Studies in Japan
Edited by John Matthews and Shigenori Wakabayashi
[Journal of Second Language Studies 6:2] 2023
► pp. 266–289

The role of agency in language socialization

A longitudinal study using the Trajectory Equifinality Approach focusing on changes in affective adverb style

 | Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan
Drawing on longitudinal data from the perspective of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory, I portray how L2 language socialization is promoted by an L2 user’s agency borne out of his Ideal L2 self. This paper first showcases a decade-long longitudinal OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) data set elicited from an L2 Japanese user who speaks Korean as his L1, focusing on the process of affective adverb acquisition observed through transformations in his speech style. Then, employing the Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA), I examine holistically how changes in the use of affective adverbs reflects the L2 user’s language socialization by visualizing his language environment and language awareness chronically, including his own reflections through retrospective interviews.
Keywords: agency, L2 language socialization, Ideal L2 self, affective adverbs, longitudinal research, Complex Dynamic Systems Theory, OPI, TEA
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review
    • 2.1Language socialization
    • 2.2Agency of L2 users
    • 2.3The Japanese affective adverb yahari and its informal variants
    • 2.4Series of longitudinal studies and objectives
  • 3.Current study
    • 3.1Participant
    • 3.2Procedure
  • 4.Results and discussion
    • 4.1Process of change in speaking style awareness: TEM chart analysis
    • 4.2The role of agency in language socialization
  • 5.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 27 February 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/jsls.22016.oku
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