Group+2+Report


 * GROUP 2 REPORT **
 * by Bella, Xian and Catherine **

Identity, also called sameness, is whatever makes an entity definable and recognizable. Generally, it will be more easily and quickly to adapt to a new environment or culture, after knowing exactly what kind of identity you are. Identity box is the most essential way which could get participants communicating more fully, creatively and expressively, by asking them to build metaphors of their identities and experiences by picture. (David Gauntlett, 2006) This essay aims to find out how students understand and manage their identity in the new culture environment, and will take three EFL international students as an example. Similarities will be firstly analysed and then the essay will move to the diversities.

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 * Identity Box 1**

According to their identity boxes, there are three main similarities. First, they all use different pictures like airplane, ship and sea to show their new life orientation, which means, in the new culture, they still hope for a bright future. To some extent, their brilliant hope might come from the experience in a new culture. Another effects followed by the culture shock is that travel plays a more and more significant role in their identity. They seem to become interested in exploring the world. This benefited from the enjoyment of their new cultural life. Furthermore, more attentions have been paid to their self-motivation and life concept. This discovery can be figured out from their pictures, such as newborn chicken(identity box 1), tree(identity box 2), fruit and gladiator.

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 * Identity Box 2**

After discussing the similarities, let us move to the differences which are divided into two aspects. The first part will focus more on the difference of nationalities. To be start, a strong feeling of loneliness ,which can be seen from the picture of the lonely dog staring at the sea, comes out as the consequence of culture shock,that leads to distinct reflections in these identities. Specifically, Middle-east ethnicity prefers to transfer this feeling into self-motivation to force them to achieve goals; whereas, Chinese might doubt themselves or even lose self-confidence.(David Gauntlett) Beside, Middle-easts emphasis more on studying and work with exact goals. In other words, destination means a lot for them. However, in terms of Chinese, they are more likely to enjoy leisure time and attaching importance to enhance the quality of life.

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 * Identity Box 3**

In addition, in aspect of gender differences, female care more about of their families and treat their husband as their teachers and protectors. They feel safety and warm. The families support them a lot and give them a feeling of been protected. On the other hand, male focus more on self-achievement. They want to shield their families according to enhancing their own abilities. For example, both of the two females using at least two pictures to represent their family members; while, personal feelings are put in a high position in the male’s identity box.They focus more on the individual activities.This is opposite to the finding of Fatimah Awan which claims western males emphasis more on the toughness, power and competitiveness.(Fatimah Awan,2008)

In conclusion, the new culture environment brings various effects to the international students no matter where they come from. Most of the impacts are positive, such as the concern of future, the explore inspiration and self-motivation. However, there still comes with some negative influences. For instance, the loneliness easily leads to loss of self-confidence. Therefore, it will helps a lot to clarify oneself by creating own identity box.

Reference: 1. Interview with David Gauntlett: __ [] __ 2. the video of David Gauntlett: __ http://digitalenglish-mystory.wikispaces.com/Section+2#Task __ 3. Identity box 1: __ [] __ 4. Identity box 2: __ [] __ 5. Abstract and/or Conclusion of a PhD thesis by Fatimah Awan: __ [] __