This book examines the notion of identity through a multitude of interdisciplinary approaches. It collects current thinking from international scholars spanning philosophy, history, science, cultural studies, media, translation, performance, and marketing, each with an outlook informed by their own subject and a mission to reflect on a theme that is greater than the sum of its parts. This project was born out of a dynamic international and interdisciplinary pedagogical experience. While by no means a teaching guide or textbook, the authors' experience of sharing the module with their students reinforced the fluidity and elusiveness of identity and its persistent facility to escape disciplinary classification. Identity as a subject for analysis and discussion, and as a lived reality for all of us, has never been more complex and multi-faceted. Each chapter of this singular collection provides a lens through which the concept of identity can be viewed and as the book progresses it moves from ideas based in disciplinary contexts - biology, psychiatry, philosophy, to those developed in multi and inter disciplinary contexts such as area studies, feminism and queer studies.

Online Communication in a Second Language examines the use of social computer mediated communication (CMC) with speakers of Japanese via longitudinal case studies of up to four years. Through the analysis of over 2000 blogs, emails, videos, messages, games, and websites, in addition to interviews with learners and their online contacts, the book explores language use and acquisition via contextual resources, repair, and peer feedback. The book provides insight into relationships online, and the influence of perceived 'ownership' of online spaces by specific cultural or linguistic groups. It not only increases our understanding of online interaction in a second language, but CMC in general. Based on empirical evidence, the study challenges traditional categorisations of CMC mediums, and provides important insights relating to turn-taking, code-switching, and language management online.

Online Communication in a Second Language examines the use of social computer mediated communication (CMC) with speakers of Japanese via longitudinal case studies of up to four years. Through the analysis of over 2000 blogs, emails, videos, messages, games, and websites, in addition to interviews with learners and their online contacts, the book explores language use and acquisition via contextual resources, repair, and peer feedback. The book provides insight into relationships online, and the influence of perceived 'ownership' of online spaces by specific cultural or linguistic groups. It not only increases our understanding of online interaction in a second language, but CMC in general. Based on empirical evidence, the study challenges traditional categorisations of CMC mediums, and provides important insights relating to turn-taking, code-switching, and language management online.