The purpose of this study is to explore a research trend of academic research papers published in Korea on the topic of language education and identity. A total number of 40 papers were collected, classified and coded into 1) research subjects, sub-ca...
The purpose of this study is to explore a research trend of academic research papers published in Korea on the topic of language education and identity. A total number of 40 papers were collected, classified and coded into 1) research subjects, sub-categorized into language learners and language (native and non-native) teachers and 2) the type of language use, sub-categorized into English (ESL, EFL), Korean (KHL) and Bilingual. A majority of the research papers was carried out on English language education in terms of language learners' identity construction. It showed that these studies contribute to better understanding of the complex relations between language education and identity formation. Most of the research findings revealed that language learner's identity is dynamic, contradictory and multiple over time and space in sociocultural context all of which is based on post-structuralistic theory of identity. It was confirmed that the understanding of social identity in language learning and teaching could play a crucial role in helping learners and teachers in diverse educational contexts.