From Farmer to Scholar: Identity Reconstruction and Portuguese in L2 Acquisition by an Exchange Student

This study examines the relationship between learner identity reconstruction and the acquisition of Brazilian Portuguese (BP) as an additional language (L2) by an exchange student. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research focuses on the experiences of a graduate student from Ecuador. Data collection involved interviews, observations, and analysis of the participant's social media interactions and language proficiency tests. Drawing on sociocultural theory (Vygotsky, 1986) and social theory (Norton, 1995), the study explores how the participant’s evolving sense of self as a foreign scholar shaped their motivation and investment with BP. While formal proficiency gains remained limited, the study reveals a dynamic relationship between the participant’s desire to join the Brazilian community and their investment in learning BP at a basic level to fulfill academic and social needs.