A record of personal growth and development of children learning English

－Analyzing classroom interactions in natural discourse－

Abstract

　　Foreign language learning can lead learners to learn about different cultural context behind the language, and then to experience identity expansion or personal growth. The present study depicts potential and the meaning of English learning other than gaining linguistic skills. The participants are three young Japanese learners of English, who contribute to classes being more learner-centered. They often initiate interaction in natural discourse, in which interaction itself rather than language acquisition is emphasized. Their classroom interaction and also interview data were analyzed, and it was discovered that through the interactions those three learners got absorbed in learning material and that they gained the sense of well-being in the class, which brought about an “English-self”, a newly developed part of their identities.