‘I look forward to a bright future’: the multilingual identity construction of Malagasy undergraduates

• Xu, Yunfeng ^[1] ; Liu, Rongyan ^[2]
  1. [1] Macau University of Science and Technology

     Macau University of Science and Technology

     RAE de Macao (China)

     
  2. [2] Guangzhou University

     Guangzhou University

     China

     
• Localización: International journal of multilingualism, ISSN 1479-0718, Vol. 23, Nº. 1, 2026, págs. 423-441
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.1080/14790718.2025.2509146
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • This study investigates the identity construction of 202 Malagasy undergraduates using a mixed-methods research approach. It analyzes the core characteristics of this multilingual group and the factors influencing their identity. The findings reveal that Malagasy multilinguals hold positive multilingual beliefs and maintain optimistic expectations for their future selves. As they navigate their place in the world, they exhibit a high degree of openness to multilingualism, actively engage in social interactions, and express a strong aspiration for economic advancement, which further confirms the dynamic and socially constructed nature of identity. This research reinforces the intrinsic link between language learning and identity, suggesting that language acquisition not only fulfills multilinguals’ communicative needs but also enriches their cultural experiences while generating opportunities and resources that, in turn, enhance learners’ interest and motivation. This study illuminates the multifaceted and continuous nature of the relationship between language and identity, offering new insights into identity construction among African multilinguals, an underexplored group.

• Referencias bibliográficas
  • Alqarni, N., & Dewaele, J. M. (2020). A bilingual emotional advantage? An investigation into the effects of psychological factors in emotion...
  • Bagozzi, R. P., & Yi, Y. (1988). On the evaluation of structural equation models. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 16, 74–94....
  • Bailey, E. G., Parrish, A., & Pierce, N. J. (2023). Having a decent understanding of more than one language’: Exploring multilingualism...
  • Baker, C. (2011). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism. Multilingual Matters.
  • Bhugra, D. (2004). Migration, distress and cultural identity. British Medical Bulletin, 69(1), 129–141. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldh007
  • Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Luk, G. (2012). Bilingualism: Consequences for mind and brain. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 16(4), 240–250....
  • Blackledge, A., & Pavlenko, A. (2001). Negotiation of identities in multilingual contexts. International Journal of Bilingualism, 5(3),...
  • Block, D. (2006). Identity in applied linguistics. In T. Omoniyi & G. White (Eds.), The Sociolinguistics of Identity (pp. 34–47). Bloomsbury...
  • Bokamba, E. G. (2014). Multilingualism as a sociolinguistic phenomenon: Evidence from Africa. In E. C. Zsiga, O. T. Boyer, & R. Kramer...
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  • Bucholtz, M., & Hall, K. (2005). Identity and interaction: A sociocultural linguistic approach. Discourse Studies, 7(4-5), 585–614. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461445605054407
  • Ceginskas, V. (2010). Being ‘the strange one’or ‘like everybody else’: School education and the negotiation of multilingual identity. International...
  • Cenoz, J., & Gorter, D. (2015). Towards a holistic approach in the study of multilingual education. In J. Cenoz & D. Gorter (Eds.),...
  • Ceuleers, E. (2008). Variable identities in Brussels. The relationship between language learning, motivation and identity in a multilingual...
  • Davila, L. T. (2018). Multilingualism and identity: Articulating ‘African-ness’ in an American high school. Race Ethnicity and Education,...
  • Dewaele, J.-M., & Botes, E. (2019). Does multilingualism shape personality? An exploratory investigation. International Journal of Bilingualism,...
  • Dewaele, J.-M., & Stavans, A. (2012). The effect of immigration, acculturation and multicompetence on personality profiles of Israeli...
  • Dewaele, J. M., & Wei, L. (2012). Multilingualism, empathy and multicompetence. International Journal of Multilingualism, 9(4), 352–366....
  • Du, Y. M., & Su, X. N. (2022). Madajiasijia yuyan zhengce de bianqian dui yuyan shengtai de yingxiang [The impact of changes in Madagascar’s...
  • Duff, P. A. (2015). Transnationalism, multilingualism, and identity. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 35, 57–80. https://doi.org/10.1017/S026719051400018X
  • Ennaji, M. (2005). Multilingualism, cultural identity, and education in Morocco. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Field, A. (2005). Discovering statistics using SPSS. SAGE Publications.
  • Fielding, R. (2021). A multilingual identity approach to intercultural stance in language learning. The Language Learning Journal, 49(4),...
  • Filippi, R., Ceccolini, A., Perry, R. C., & Thomas, M. S. C. (2024). The impact of multilingualism and socio-economic status on academic...
  • Fisher, L., Evans, M., Forbes, K., Gayton, A., & Liu, Y. (2020). Participative multilingual identity construction in the languages classroom:...
  • Forbes, K., Evans, M., Fisher, L., Gayton, A., Liu, Y., & Rutgers, D. (2021). Developing a multilingual identity in the languages classroom:...
  • Forbes, K., & Rutgers, D. (2021). Multilingual identity in education. The Language Learning Journal, 49(4), 399–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2021.1918850
  • Fornell, C., & Larcker, D. F. (1981). Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal...
  • Fürst, G., & Grin, F. (2017). Multilingualism and creativity: A multivariate approach. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development,...
  • Ghonsooly, B., & Showqi, S. (2012). The effects of foreign language learning on creativity. English Language Teaching, 5(4), 161–167....
  • Grin, F. (1996). Economic approaches to language and language planning: An introduction. International Journal of the Sociology of Language,...
  • Grundy, J. G. (2020). The effects of bilingualism on executive functions: An updated quantitative analysis. Journal of Cultural Cognitive...
  • Gu, M. (2010). Language choice and identity construction in peer interactions: Insights from a multilingual university in Hong Kong. Journal...
  • Hair, J. F., Babin, B. J., & Krey, N. (2017). Covariance-Based structural equation modeling in the journal of advertising: Review and...
  • Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., Anderson, R. E., & Tatham, R. (2006). Multivariate data analysis. Pearson Higher Education.
  • Harackiewicz, J. M., Durik, A. M., Barron, K. E., Linnenbrink-Garcia, L., & Tauer, J. M. (2008). The role of achievement goals in the...
  • Haukås, Å, Storto, A., & Tiurikova, I. (2021a). Developing and validating a questionnaire on young learners’ multilingualism and multilingual...
  • Haukås, Å, Storto, A., & Tiurikova, I. (2021b). The Ungspråk project: Researching multilingualism and multilingual identity in lower secondary...
  • Haukås, Å, Storto, A., & Tiurikova, I. (2022). School students’ beliefs about the benefits of multilingualism. Journal of Multilingual...
  • Hidi, S. (1990). Interest and its contribution as a mental resource for learning. Review of Educational Research, 60(4), 549–571. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543060004549
  • Hu, L. T., & Bentler, P. M. (1998). Fit indices in covariance structure modeling: Sensitivity to underparameterized model misspecification....
  • Kharkhurin, A. V., Koncha, V., & Charkhabi, M. (2023). The effects of multilingual and multicultural practices on divergent thinking....
  • Koch, M. J., Greve, W., & Kersten, K. (2023). Extending the cognitive advantage hypothesis: A conceptual replication study of the relationship...
  • Kramsch, C., & Huffmaster, M. (2015). Multilingual practices in foreign language study. In J. Cenoz & D. Gorter (Eds.), Multilingual...
  • Kroll, J. F., & Dussias, P. E. (2017). The benefits of multilingualism to the personal and professional development of residents of the...
  • Li, W., & Zhu, H. (2013). Translanguaging identities and ideologies: Creating transnational space through flexible multilingual practices...
  • Maeder-Qian, J. (2017). Intercultural experiences and cultural identity reconstruction of multilingual Chinese international students in Germany....
  • Martin, B. (2016). Coloured language: Identity perception of children in bilingual programmes. In C. Finkbeiner & A. Svalberg (Eds.),...
  • Myriam, A., Omer, A. J. C., Olivia, R., Bodomalala, R. V., Ngbolua, K. T. N., & Baholy, R. R. (2023). Factors influencing English language...
  • Nongogo, N. (2007). Mina'ngumZulu phaqa’Language and identity among multilingual grade 9 learners at a private desegregated high school...
  • Norton, B. (2000). Identity and language learning: Gender, ethnicity and educational change. Longman.
  • Parrish, A., & Bailey, E. G. (2024). Multilingualism & motivation in language classrooms in England. Journal of Language, Identity...
  • Pavlenko, A. (2005). Emotions and multilingualism. Cambridge University Press.
  • Pavlenko, A., & Lantolf, J. P. (2000). Second Language leamning as participation and the (re)construction of selves. In J. P. Lantolf...
  • Peirce, B. N. (1995). Social identity, investment, and language learning. TESOL Quarterly, 29(1), 9–31. https://doi.org/10.2307/3587803
  • Poarch, G. J., & Van Hell, J. G. (2012). Executive functions and inhibitory control in multilingual children: Evidence from second-language...
  • Razafindratsimba, D. T. (2010). Le malgache, le français et le variaminanana. Pratiques plurilingues et représentations linguistiques à Madagascar....
  • Ricento, T. (2005). Considerations of identity in L2 learning. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning...
  • Rutgers, D., Evans, M., Fisher, L., Forbes, K., Gayton, A., & Liu, Y. (2024). Multilingualism, multilingual identity and academic attainment:...
  • Sarup, M. (1996). Identity and the unconscious. In T. Raja (Ed.), Identity, culture and the postmodern world (pp. 28–43). Edinburgh University...
  • Stille, S. (2015). Identity as a site of difference: Toward a complex understanding of identity in multilingual, multicultural classrooms....
  • Storto, A. (2022). ‘To be multilingual means … ’: Exploring a participatory approach to multilingual identity with schoolchildren. International...
  • Storto, A., Haukås, Å, & Tiurikova, I. (2024). Visualising the language practices of lower secondary students: Outlines for practice-based...
  • Sung, C. C. M. (2022). Understanding the international student’s experiences in a multilingual university context from a sociolinguistic perspective....
  • Szyszka, M. (2022). Learners’ attitudes to first, second and third languages pronunciation in structuring multilingual identity. Applied Linguistics...
  • Tabouret-Keller, A. (2017). Language and identity. In F. Coulmas (Ed.), The handbook of sociolinguistics (pp. 315–326). Blackwell Publishing...
  • Tiurikova, I., Haukås, Å, & Storto, A. (2021). The link between multilingualism, language learning and open-mindedness in secondary school...
  • van der Walt, C. (2014). Special issue on bi/multilingual identity in South Africa. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism,...
  • Vandeyar, S., & Catalano, T. (2020). Language and identity: Multilingual immigrant learners in South Africa. Language Matters, 51(2),...
  • Vaughan, J., & Singer, R. (2018). Indigenous multilingualisms past and present. Language & Communication, 62, 83–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.langcom.2018.06.003
  • Wang, L., Chen, G., & Liu, S. (2024). Profiling the multifaceted identities among multilingual Tibetan college students learning Chinese...
  • Wang, Z., McConachy, T., & Ushioda, E. (2021). Negotiating identity tensions in multilingual learning in China: A situated perspective...
  • Wu, X., & Forbes, K. (2022). Multilingual identity in schools: A Q methodological study with Chinese LOTE-as-L3 learners in international...
  • Zhong, Y. (2022). Madajiasijia Tamatafu Faguo xuexiao Hanyu jiaoxue diaocha yanjiu [The research on Chinese language teaching at the French...