GENDERED VISIONS OF IDEAL FUTURE SELVES: AN ANALYSIS OF JAPANESE ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ NARRATIVES

This study investigates the impact of gender on future visions, using a mixed narrative method; i.e., “drawing-and-writing-combined” narrative. Previous research shows that learners’ career aspirations have positive effect their academic achievement including language proficiency growth (Sasaki, Kozaki, & Ross, 2017). Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore possible selves by examining visions. Qualitative data were collected from 155 Japanese university English as Foreign Language drawings and essays. Statistical results (chi-square test) revealed effects in participants’ visualizations career-focused career-family balanced ideal well prominence social interaction analysis essays suggested majority both male female learners envisaged actively pursuing an international empowered essential tool English. Overall, females considered combining family due responsibilities for women, whereas males envisioned career-related only. The further assesses visions taking into consideration equality level particular society. Pedagogical implications directions are discussed.