ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors argue that the experience of emotion is consequential in the experience of autonomous language learning. They aim to contribute an understanding of how language learners actively construct space and place in autonomous language learning, arguing that emotion together with the materiality of the environment are central to developing a more complete understanding of learner autonomy. The authors reveal emotion as integral to the interpersonal and intrapersonal processes that create space, place and autonomous learning opportunities, moment by moment. They review research into emotion, space and place. One of the earliest theorists to examine 'space' and 'place' was Tuan, who investigated how people organise places and attach meanings to spaces within their lives. In all the narratives so far, experiences within particular locales were imbued with emotions and feelings and a quest for meaning, which together contributed to the development of spaces for deep learning.
