How Does She Learn English? A Case of a Successful Blind Language Learner

Sakineh Jafari  -  (Scopus ID 57209111954) English Department, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran, Islamic Republic of
Samaneh Jafari  -  (Scopus ID 56950087900) Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, United States
Reza Kafipour*  -  (Scopus ID 35118849400) English Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Islamic Republic of

(*) Corresponding Author
DOI: 10.21580/vjv10i16727

This study reports on a case study of a blind EFL learner. The purpose of the study was to explore a detailed situated data to examine to what extent it is feasible to be a successful language learner despite being visually impaired and lacking some learning resources.  Interview data and the narratives of this EFL learner have revealed that her success was mainly based on her agentic interaction with the environment and learning context, her high motivation and strategic behavior, and her sustained efforts. The findings provide further insight into the role of learner in exerting control over contextual resources that frame learning and on how different factors interact with each other in the language learning process in the construction of learner identity and the strategies used by learners.

Keywords: agency; contextual resources; identity, learning resources; learning context; strategic behavior

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English Education Department,
Faculty of Education and Teacher Training,
Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang
Jl. Prof Hamka Ngaliyan Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

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