Becoming a legitimate L2 speaker: The role of non-traditional speaker models

Abstract

Based on a multiliteracies-inspired and sociolinguistically informed advanced French composition class, this study employed autobiographical narratives from speakers that were traditionally considered non-legitimate models for L2 teaching purposes; these autobiographical narratives were used to inspire students to develop an authentic L2 voice and to see themselves as legitimate L2 speakers. Students explored their L2 identities in French through a self-inspired fictional character, using as guides two autobiographical narratives of identity quest by non-traditional French speakers: the novel Le bleu des abeilles (2013) by Laura Alcoba and the film Qu’Allah bénisse la France (2014) by Abd Al Malik. Written and oral French productions for different genres, as well as metalinguistic reflections in English were collected and analyzed. Results indicate that ideas and materials that were relatable to students—namely, relatable experiences and language—were most useful to them in developing their L2 voice and achieving authentic and legitimate L2 speakership. These results point toward the benefits of using non-traditional speaker models, as they serve to legitimize students’ sense of their own L2 speakership, which could ultimately lead them toward a better, more informed grasp of the language.