Abstract

This paper explores reflections written by advanced undergraduates at two US universities. Using theories of languaging and positioning to frame our analysis, we found students used language in their written reflections that distanced themselves from the actions that occurred (and their control over those actions) and mitigated their agency when they recounted their experiences in professional spaces: we observed repeated instances of weaker lexical choices (e.g. helping someone instead of teaching someone) and syntactic structures including periphrasis in causatives (e.g. allowed me to…) and modals (e.g. I was able to…). We suggest students deployed these linguistic features strategically to position themselves as novices and thus less responsible for outcomes in these settings. In discussing our findings, we query the significance of socialization into professional communities for students, and in turn, we consider how we as instructors and mentors have invited students to position themselves in their written reflections.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.