Exploring the conditions for second language socialization

In this paper I will explore aspects of L2 socialization from the perspective of sexual identity using data drawn from ethnographic interviews with self-identified gay Cambodian men. L2 socialization research aims to investigate linguistic development together with “the other forms of knowledge” acquired through language such as culture, social practices and identities. These are typically learned through interactions with more knowledgeable and proficient others (Duff Talmy, 2011: 95-96). Initial findings indicate that these men are able to explore and negotiate their identities as both language learners and gay men because particular conditions in this context may enable language learning through socialization. This is done specifically by participation in global gay discourse at a local level within the international gay community in Siem Reap, where gay locals, expats and visitors who use non-local languages, primarily English, meet and interact. More broadly, my research seeks to add different perspectives to the complexities of SLA by focusing attention on important, but often neglected issues of non-normative sexual identities and how they impact language learning processes.