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Towards an Understanding of Language Learner Self-Concept pp 127–165Cite as

External Frames of Reference in FL Self-Concept Formation

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Part of the book series: Educational Linguistics ((EDUL,volume 12))

Abstract

This chapter considers the external frames of reference which appear to influence the development of the L2 self-concepts of the learners in this study. The four key external frames of reference considered are (1) social comparisons, (2) explicit and implicit feedback from significant others, in particular teachers, (3) subjective perceived experiences of success and failure, as well as standardised feedback in the form of grades and test scores, and, finally, (4) learners’ subjective critical experiences. In the discussion of these factors, the importance of informal language learning and use experiences is especially salient.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In Austria, the grading system is between 1–5. 1 is the best grade (equivalent to a grade “A”), 5 is a fail (equivalent to a grade “E”).

  2. 2.

    EAP = English for Academic Purposes.

  3. 3.

    Schularbeit = Class Test

  4. 4.

    HAK = A form of Business-Orientated Secondary School.

  5. 5.

    Krampus = A traditional Austrian festival in December.

  6. 6.

    It is also worth noting that Joana has a positive self-concept. If a learner had a negative self-concept and employed processes of self-verification (Swann 1997), it is possible that the reverse may function, i.e., the learner may attribute experiences of success to external factors and make internal attributions for experiences of failure, in order to “confirm” their negative self-concept.

  7. 7.

    Gymnasium = Grammar school.

  8. 8.

    Type of vocational college at secondary school level.

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  1. Department of English, University of Graz, Heinrichstr. 36, 8010, Graz, Austria

    Sarah Mercer

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Mercer, S. (2011). External Frames of Reference in FL Self-Concept Formation. In: Towards an Understanding of Language Learner Self-Concept. Educational Linguistics, vol 12. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9569-5_6

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