Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China

Abstract Globalization has given rise to a new generation of English language teachers, including transnational teachers, who have complex teacher identities that the traditional “native” versus “non-native” English teacher dichotomy fails to capture adequately. Researchers have problematized this d...

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Main Authors: Angel Zhao, Yuehai Xiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2025-01-01
Series:Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04276-8
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author Angel Zhao
Yuehai Xiao
author_facet Angel Zhao
Yuehai Xiao
author_sort Angel Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Globalization has given rise to a new generation of English language teachers, including transnational teachers, who have complex teacher identities that the traditional “native” versus “non-native” English teacher dichotomy fails to capture adequately. Researchers have problematized this dichotomy by applying theories such as poststructuralism. However, there is a lack of consensus on a theory that can challenge the monolingual model and the language hierarchy to support the development of teacher identity. Consequently, this case study draws on the theory of hybridity from sociology and uses narrative inquiry and interviews to explore the evolution of a Chinese-Canadian English teacher, Sally, in constructing her teacher identity, which includes both achievements and challenges. The study contributes to the literature by attempting to lessen the impact of the language hierarchy and the “native” versus “non-native” dichotomy through empirical evidence supporting hybridity theory. The findings reveal the complexity of Sally’s teacher identity development across various contexts, resulting in numerous struggles. This complexity aligns with hybridity theory. Moreover, Sally outlines her coping strategies, which could help transnational teachers overcome obstacles and successfully broaden their teacher identities. The study discusses theoretical and pedagogical implications for the development of English language teacher identity and teacher training.
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spelling doaj-art-6df1ab218db24bd98f5750267d0ddc932025-01-05T12:11:40ZengSpringer NatureHumanities & Social Sciences Communications2662-99922025-01-0112111010.1057/s41599-024-04276-8Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in ChinaAngel Zhao0Yuehai Xiao1Faculty of Humanities, The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityDepartment of English, Hunan Normal UniversityAbstract Globalization has given rise to a new generation of English language teachers, including transnational teachers, who have complex teacher identities that the traditional “native” versus “non-native” English teacher dichotomy fails to capture adequately. Researchers have problematized this dichotomy by applying theories such as poststructuralism. However, there is a lack of consensus on a theory that can challenge the monolingual model and the language hierarchy to support the development of teacher identity. Consequently, this case study draws on the theory of hybridity from sociology and uses narrative inquiry and interviews to explore the evolution of a Chinese-Canadian English teacher, Sally, in constructing her teacher identity, which includes both achievements and challenges. The study contributes to the literature by attempting to lessen the impact of the language hierarchy and the “native” versus “non-native” dichotomy through empirical evidence supporting hybridity theory. The findings reveal the complexity of Sally’s teacher identity development across various contexts, resulting in numerous struggles. This complexity aligns with hybridity theory. Moreover, Sally outlines her coping strategies, which could help transnational teachers overcome obstacles and successfully broaden their teacher identities. The study discusses theoretical and pedagogical implications for the development of English language teacher identity and teacher training.https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04276-8
spellingShingle Angel Zhao
Yuehai Xiao
Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
title Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
title_full Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
title_fullStr Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
title_full_unstemmed Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
title_short Understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory: a case study of a Chinese-Canadian teaching English in China
title_sort understanding teacher identity construction through hybridity theory a case study of a chinese canadian teaching english in china
url https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04276-8
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