ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the discourse of two bilingual Japanese college returnee students. Based on observations, interviews, and discussions, the authors show how these students construct themselves as English users in a country known for its lack of citizens with strong English skills. We demonstrate the complex identity work that returnees engage in when positioning themselves among their non-returnee peers. The students discussed personality changes while speaking different languages as well as their perceptions of English as being unique and distinct from other languages. This shows how different intercultural experiences affect learners and impact their overall ability to move between different social groups and across international borders.
