Transformative positive psychology in the acquisition of additional languages

Abstract

ABSTRACT Positive psychology (PP) is an approach to understanding language learning and teaching which focuses on the rights of everyone, whether teacher, learner, administrator, or caretaker, to flourish in the language learning ecology (Mercer 2021 [An Agenda for Well-Being in ELT: An Ecological Perspective. ELT Journal, 75(1), 14–21]). While it has stressed the importance of humanity and the individuals involved, it has not yet been employed from a critical pedagogy or social justice perspective, although we believe this potential is inherent. PP is concerned with ensuring the development of compassionate interpersonal relationships and a positive experience for all stakeholders, equipping individuals with skills and competences to flourish in the classroom and beyond. However, how can an individual be thought of as flourishing if others in their communitiesare not? Everyone’s wellbeing is interconnected. It is not just an individual trait, but it is also socially determined. In this article, we highlight PP as a transformative approach which strives for equity and inclusion when employed with a critical perspective. We outline an agenda for the future of PP in the acquisition of additional languages which foresees an explicit engagement with issues of justice, equity, and collective wellbeing.