A Socio-Semiotic Analysis of Latino Migrants’ Metaphorical Conceptualizations of Language Learning

The present study is aimed at unpacking Latino migrants’ metaphorical conceptualizations of their language learning trajectories as sites for construction and negotiation of their complex identities throughout the process of transnational migration. In particular, our work intends to describe and interrogate three adult Latino migrants’ personal, linguistic and cross-cultural journeys as they experienced their English language learning in Australia. Informed by a qualitative approach, three data sets were gathered: (i) written narratives of personal, linguistic and cross-cultural challenges experienced throughout their trajectories in Australia; (ii) visual metaphors produced by the participants depicting metaphorically their language learning experiences; (iii) face-to-face interviews. The findings revealed the complex personal, cultural and linguistic processes, which have all contributed to re-shaping and negotiating their personal, social and professional identities over time. The metaphorical analysis of the respondents’ spoken narratives and of their metaphorical visual images evidenced the presence of pervasive metaphors of ‘disability’ and ‘impairment’ in their discourse.