Developmental changes in second language self-concept:A case study focusing on three Japanese learners of English as a foreign language

interviews with three advanced Japanese EFL learners are analyzed from the perspective of retrodictive qualitative modeling, and the developmental changes in self-concept are reported.The term retrodictive is used here in opposition to predictive , and refers to the tracing of reasons for individuals becoming second, or foreign, language learners by identifying relevant past experiences (Drnyei & Chen, 2013). Literature Review Definition of the L2 Self-conceptWe consider that L2 self-concept can be readily understood through the view that self-beliefs comprise both dynamic and relatively stable dimensions (Mercer, 2011).With regard to the dynamism of the self-concept, Markus and Wurf (1987, p.329) have defined the selfconcept as dynamic and capable of change, as it reflects and mediates the actions of individuals who are negotiating a variety of social circumstances, meaning that ones self-concept will vary over the course of ones life and is affected by ones social experiences.By introducing a working self-concept to the traditional model of self-concept (Epstein, 1973), Markus and Wurf (1987) explained the process of the alternation and modification in the dynamic self-concept.Concerning the components of the dynamic selfconcept, Markus and Wurf (1987) assumed that the self-concept consists of stable core elements that are independent of the domain-specific context and less susceptible to change, as well as peripheral elements that are less stable, but rather active, and are dependent on the domain-specific context.The psychological