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GAY IN ENGLISH, NOT IN JAPANESE: AUTOETHNOGRAPHIES OF LANGUAGE AND SEXUALITY IN JAPAN

The concept of “second language identity” and its connection to oral and written discourse has been well-documented by such researchers as Pavlenko, Norton, Hoffman, and Matsuda, but what is the significance of second language identity and communication when it comes to understanding, revealing or performing one’s sexuality? This study examines the language learning narratives of five self-identified, bilingual, queer Japanese men and women, narratives that were then employed by their writers to complete autoethnographic explorations of the above question. By choosing written, ethnographic inquiry to re-construct the lived experiences of these individuals, stories emerge that highlight the intersections of second language identities and human sexualities. Responses to the writing prompt reveal the various ways that English language is used as a tool for global communication, motivations to learn and participate in English language communities, and the perceived benefits of giving an account of oneself via written stories. Examples of both participant and researcher narratives will be showcased alongside an examination of the significance of anthropological methodology in the field of English language studies.