Dynamic Process of International Student’s Identity Development and Multiplicity of Linguistic Selves

Abstract

The current paper examines the concept and characteristics of human identity and how those have been historically discussed by theorists from diverse fields, focusing particularly on international students who study abroad. The aim of this report is to investigate how international students shape their multiple selves during their time overseas by drawing on social and cultural factors. Relevant empirical studies are reviewed from the standpoint of sociological, socio-cultural, and dialogical theories. Reviewing the literature allowed this study to arrive at some conclusions. First, international students construct their identity through complex, dynamic, and constant processes, and this identity is subject to continually change as per social interactions and circumstances rather than being acquired as biological determinants. Second, language is a crucial factor in the process of identity construction. Implications and limitations are discussed as well.