The Role of Learner Subjectivity in Second Language Sociolinguistic Competency: Western Women Learning Japanese

In this paper, I examine the role of language learner subjectivity in the acquisition ofsociolmguistic competency in a second language To look at the intersection of learner identity, social position, and L2 acquisition, the paper focuses on a case study of a white woman learning Japanese in Japan A conversation between the learner and her professor is presented to show the dynamic co-construction of identity and sociolinguistic proficiency within conversational interactions The discussion of the interaction and implications for L2 acquisition are contextualized within a social, cultural, and historical framework I don 1 think Ive found my Japanese persona yet, who I am when I am speaking Japanese—I was listening to this lady speaking on the telephone in a little squeaky voice (imitates voice) its like, no i dont think I can do that, its not for me—urn-1 dont know (Karen 25 years old, American, English professor and Japanese language student, Hiroshima, Japan, 1991) I cannot stand the way she talks She is so humble all the time I dont want to be that