Accent Perceptions and Identity Conflicts of University Students in China

ABSTRACT This paper examines university students’ perceptions towards different English accent varieties and their non-unitary and conflicting identity (re)construction responding the changing configuration of English in China. Findings from interviews and diaries indicate that the participants’ perceptions appear to be under the substantial influence of the different identities they intend to assume. The incompatibility existing in their different identities leads to identity conflicts and attitude schizophrenia. The article proposes a revision of the ongoing teaching paradigm in order to project the current spread and development of English and to attend to the genuine linguistic demands and identity appeals of English language learners in China.